ULA bans import of foreign, mainland alcoholic beverages into Arakan

Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 21 September 2024

The United League of Arakan (ULA)  issued an order banning the import of foreign alcohol and all kinds of alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) from the mainland into the Arakan region.

Signed by ULA secretary Thar Kyaw and issued on 19 September, the order indicated that the import restrictions were to be effective immediately.

It stated that regional political & administrative officials must properly supervise businessmen importing alcoholic beverages from outside the Arakan region, as well as the agents and wholesale & retail sellers, to ensure understanding and compliance.

An Arakanese political leader confirmed to Narinjara News that the order was accurate and had been issued properly.

"The order was issued for public awareness. It’s not a secret. It enforces a ban across the Arakan region," he added.

The statement also mentioned that all remaining alcoholic beverages in Arakan, including foreign alcohol and mainland-produced beer & wine, must be sold within three months from the date of the order.

Additionally, it declared that no further import of alcoholic beverages, banned during the revolution, will be permitted. Strict actions will be taken if  such imports are detected.

A woman selling alcoholic beverages in Arakan  told Narinjara News that the ULA officials summoned them on 20 September  to explain the matter.

"We have to sell all our remaining alcohol within three months. If we cannot, we have to throw it away. Otherwise serious actions will be taken. We’ll face loss, but will not complain,” she added.

The ULA officials stated that the people in Arakan State must sell only locally produced alcohol instead of foreign or other alcoholic beverages.

She mentioned that they will provide support to enhance the production of local alcohol to a higher standard.

Regarding this, a young man from Arakan State said, "If we have to drink local alcohol, the public should be informed about the types of high-quality local alcohol that can be produced. How will they ensure it is healthy? How much can they improve it? What kinds of testing will be done to confirm there is no side effect in consuming these products?"

Despite the economic decline in Arakan State, the consumption of foreign alcohol and mainland-produced alcohol & beer has not decreased.

U Pe Than, a political analyst, believes that the current ban will be beneficial because the widespread consumption of foreign alcohol and mainland beer is only helping the junta with money flowing out from Arakan to the mainland.

"I want the alcohol produced in our State to come from the local rice raw materials. Their goal is to support entrepreneurs here without relying on imported foreign alcohol," added Pe Than.

He also noted that the ULA's ban aims to support the production and consumption of high-quality local alcohol in Arakan.

Since the military coup in February 2021, those opposing the coup called to boycott the locally produced alcoholic beverages, especially those produced by the junta-affiliated companies.

However, it’s found that the consumption had not decreased across the country including Arakan State.

Photograph courtesy internet