Kathmandu, November 29

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota today said the government would invite operators of distilleries, alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms, hotels, restaurants and bars to discuss the content of the controversial executive order that aims to control production, sale and distribution of alcohol.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had drafted the executive order stating that liquor consumption was creating health-related problems and giving rise to cases of domestic violence and crimes, such as rape. The draft of the executive order has been forwarded to the Cabinet.

“The executive order is still under discussion. Its purpose is to promote responsible drinking,” Minister Baskota told journalists, adding, “We will discuss its content with all stakeholders, including experts of the social sector.”

The proposed executive order has drawn widespread criticism as it aims to cripple the business of distilleries, alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms, hotels, restaurants and bars, and infringe on personal freedom of individuals.

The draft of the executive order proposes to allow hotels, lodges, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm. It also seeks to prevent hotels, lodges, bars and restaurants from serving alcoholic beverages outdoors.

The executive order also aims to bar manufacturers of alcoholic beverage from sponsoring sporting events, concerts and other public events, and promoting their programmes in the media. It also proposes to prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages in world heritage sites, where people of indigenous groups organise religious ceremonies and drink alcohol, and ban the practice of giving and accepting alcohol as a gift.

Operators of distilleries, alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms, hotels, restaurants and bars have protested the government’s move to introduce these ‘stringent’ provisions.