Manama: Kuwait's commerce and industry ministry on Wednesday denied a media report that it would allow the sale of alcohol in the country based on a law promulgated in 1967.
"Kuwait's penal law forbids the selling, buying, taking, possessing, promoting or trading in alcohol and the drinking of intoxicants. The law also criminalizes the import or drinking of alcohol in a public place or private club," the ministry said.
"The ministry does not grant any licenses to hotels, except in accordance with the established requirements that include a stated pledge by the applicant not to breach the rules of public order and morals," the ministry said in a statement published by Al Shahed daily.
The newspaper on Tuesday reported that the commerce and industry ministry had adopted Law 614/1967 that allows the consumption of alcohol by foreigners on visits to Kuwait and staying in five-star hotels.
The paper said that the alcohol would be available only in specially-designated areas and would not be allowed in public places.
Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are illegal in Kuwait.
Last month, Al Watan daily reported that three Chinese nationals, including one woman, were arrested for possessing and selling pork and liquor that they smuggled into the country in a container.
