Bali is still 'dry'

Bali is still 'dry'

DENPASAR, Bali: Most restaurants and hotels on this holiday island say they are still having problems securing beer although the provincial administration has revoked a ruling which entrusted the supply of alcoholic beverages to only one private distributor.

Tommy Raka Afcia, the chairman of the Bali chapter of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants, told Antara yesterday that a survey among chapter members found that the distribution of beer has not been fully restored.

The administration last week revoked the governor's decree that gave PT Arbamass Multi Invesco the monopoly rights to distribute alcoholic beverages on the island. The ruling, intended to limit the supply of alcohol and also generate additional revenue for the local administration, was overruled by Jakarta.

Tommy declined to comment on the possible reason why the beer supply has not been restored. "It's too sensitive for me to disclose to journalists. I have submitted my report to the central board of the association in Jakarta."

Many hotel and restaurant operators have appealed to the Bali administration to follow up the decision to revoke the controversial governor's decree with a ruling detailing the proper distribution mechanism. (emb)