Above Rs 11 lakh salary to enter alcohol outlet; Gulf nation's revolutionary transformation 

RIYADH: With the imposition of relaxations in alcohol distribution, Saudi Arabia is making a critical decision. The new decision calls off the ban on alcohol for the non-Muslim residents in the country. However, this relaxation applies only to those with an income above 50,000 Riyal (around Rs 11 lakh). An anonymous customer said that the residents must confirm income by showing salary certificate to get permission to enter the only alcohol shop in the country in Riyadh.
The alcohol shop started last year in Riyadh. Until now, only foreign diplomats got alcohol from here. Only recently, the non-Muslim residents with high salaries started buying alcohol from this outlet. However, no official response has come yet from the authority regarding this. The customers at Riyadh outlet can buy alcohol under the monthly point-based allowance system.
Bloomberg recently reported that new outlets would start shortly in two major cities in the country. The administration is implementing measures to make alcohol available, simplifying social restrictions in order to make Saudi Arabia attractive for business and foreign investment. The authority evaluates that foreign investments are crucial for the growth of the country.
Saudi Arabia has witnessed revolutionary changes in the past few years. The bans imposed on women drivers and the cinema were withdrawn. For 35 years, Saudi Arabia had banned cinema and movie theatres. All the bans ended in 2018 with the initiatives of the ruler, Mohammed bin Salman. Although objections arose from many parts, he proceeded unperturbed.