Petaling Jaya: Coffee shops selling beer will be required to apply for a new licence from 1st January 2022.
Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng said an annual licence fee between RM840 and RM1,320 will be charged to the businesses depending on operation hours.
“It will be enforced nationwide. Of that I’m certain, according to the briefing session. It is understood that enforcement comes under the Excise Regulations 1977. The legislation has been there, but they are only enforcing it now.
“Apparently, the Finance Ministry informed the Customs Department about the decision in March, but we are only being briefed now.
“Definitely, we feel a bit shortchanged by the short notice. So, we will certainly appeal the decision. In fact, we have written to the ministry, seeking for reconsideration,” he was quoted as saying by a news portal.
Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the enforcement of liquor licences is “in line with global standards”.
Responding to a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat, Mohd Shahar Abdullah said “this practice is not only in Malaysia, but is also done in other countries, including in our neighbouring ciuntries.”
Keu said, the licence requirement comes at a bad time asmany shops have been close for many months due to the pandemic.
“So far, there have been no procedures provided on application. That is the worrying part for us. It is already nearing the end of the year,” he added.
