Saudi Arabia expands alcohol access with new liquor stores

Two new liquor stores are under construction in the cities of Jeddah and Dammam as Saudi Arabia further eases restrictions on alcohol in a bid to draw more foreign talent to reside in the kingdom, Reuters reports.

It comes after reports that the country’s only sanctioned liquor store, in Riyadh, is now allowing a larger group of foreign residents to make purchases.

Non-Muslims holding a permit under the Premium Residency program, which grants visas to entrepreneurs, investors, property owners and talented individuals, are now allowed to purchase alcohol in the store, which was previously reserved for diplomats.

Loosening rules around alcohol has been a delicate task for the Saudi leadership, which has attempted to appease conservatives by cracking down on nightclubs known as “lounges” in recent months.