The unnecessary disposal

Ialways get mixed feelings each time I read or hear about the discovery of liquor smuggling attempts. Historically, liquor consumption was not allowed in Kuwait, but until law 206 was issued in the middle of the 1960s, liquor was being sold for non-Muslims in Kuwait by UK’s Kerry McKenzie Company. The company then sold liquor to Muslims, both citizens and expatriates, to have a modest monthly income, and sale outlets were also known to the government. Based on a report published in Al-Qabas on Jan 27, 2009, a news report had been published in 1963 and accused Kerry McKenzie Company of making extreme profits out of selling liquor, further accusing it of ‘monopolizing’ the business, which is quite strange in a country that adopts a free economy system.

The report said that in May 1964, members of Parliament proposed to confiscate all liquor available in the country and destroy it, and there were discussions about the issue and proposing an amendment for article number 206 of the Penal Code. The session saw extensive discussions by several lawmakers, as MP Jassim Al-Qatami said the ban was not enough and was not a solution for any problem. He demanded awareness campaigns regarding the issue and to get the government involved. Meanwhile, MP Dr Ahmad Al-Khateeb said the phenomenon needed further study and analysis, but the assembly approved the proposed law in principle. Then on Oct 12, 1964 the government agreed to ban import of liquor and intoxicants and revoked all the licenses to sell alcohol, then article number 206 was issued, which jails every person that imported or manufactured liquor with the intention to sell, whereas embassies and foreign diplomatic missions were excluded from this law.

What is important in this issue is that the confiscated liquor is destroyed, according to the explanatory memo of the law. But the quantities of destroyed liquor has increased so much lately, and its value is estimated at tens of millions of dinars and may be more. Therefore, the question is, is it realistic to destroy the liquor while it could be exported to other countries? The return could be used to treat alcoholics among us. The other side is related to what the smuggling process represents in the form of fear. If it was possible for someone to smuggle ten containers without being inspected, this means that one can smuggle things that are more harmful than liquor such as drugs and arms, so are we aware of the size of danger we are exposed to amidst all the corruption that we live in? — Translated by Kuwait Times

In May 1964, members of Parliament proposed to confiscate all liquor available in the country and destroy it