According to the agency's information, to gain access to alcohol, individuals must confirm their income level. Foreigners are required to provide a salary certificate in order to visit the only legal alcohol store located in Riyadh. This store opened last year and initially served only diplomats, but access has now been expanded to affluent foreigners.
As Bloomberg sources clarify, alcohol sales are conducted through a monthly quota system based on a scoring assessment. In addition, construction of new specialized stores has already begun in two other cities in Saudi Arabia.
These changes in alcohol sales legislation are part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing public life and creating more attractive conditions for international business. Previously, the country lifted restrictions on women driving cars, legalized various entertainment activities, and actively worked on developing the tourism sector.
