Circulation Of Alcoholic Drinks In Semarang Tightened Through Local Regulations

Rahmulyo Adi Wibowo, member of the Special Committee for the Supervision and Control of Alcoholic Beverages in Semarang City DPRD. ANTARA

SEMARANG - The Regional People's Legislative Council (DPRD) of Semarang City is currently discussing revising regional regulations to tighten the circulation of alcoholic beverages in the region.

Rahmulyo Adi Wibowo, member of the Special Committee for Raperda on Supervision and Control of Alcoholic Beverages, DPRD Semarang City, said the proposed revision of the regional regulation follows the rise of criminal acts in Semarang City.

"There are many incidents in the city of Semarang, criminal acts because there are many (alcoholic beverage) sellers on the streets selling goods, there is no time limit. So, we want to arrange it in such a way," he said in Semarang, Central Java, Antara, Thursday, February 23.

According to him, actually, there is already a Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2009 concerning the Supervision and Control of Alcoholic Beverages. However, along with the development of the situation and conditions need changes and adjustments.

"The point is stricter supervision and control, both (alcoholic drinks) originating from within the country and imported. Supervision is divided into two, concerning procurement and distribution as well as distribution," he said.

Rahmulyo admitted that currently, the sale of alcoholic beverages is starting to mushroom in ATLAS City, including a row of new cafes and bars that also provide such drinks.

Therefore, he said, licensing supervision would be tightened, starting from producers, distributors, to outlets or retailers who must have a license to sell alcoholic beverages.

"So, it's not arbitrary. For example, there is a large cafe that sells alcoholic drinks. Later, we will check. As a cafe, a permit must be available, to sell alcoholic drinks there is also a permit," he said.

Apart from that, he said, later it will also be discussed how to educate the public as consumers regarding the impact of alcoholic beverages, to how much alcohol is in each group.

"How then can the public and consumers know what percentage it contains (alcohol, ed.). How about Groups A, B, and C? What are the consequences if consumed, and so on," he said.

Rahmulyo said that currently there are six licensed liquor producers in Semarang City. However, how the circulation will be tightened, including setting sales hours.

"Later on, Satpol PP (pamong praja) as regional regulation enforcer will check places that are suspected of being unlicensed to selling (alcoholic drinks). If they are not licensed, yes, they will be prosecuted, confiscated," he concluded.