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)