Kuwait lawmaker under fire for alcohol comments

A liberal Kuwait politician has been accused of insulting the predominantly Muslim nation after suggesting its long-standing ban on alcohol should be lifted.

Kuwait lawmaker Nabil al-Fadhl has been criticised for suggesting Kuwait should lift its complete ban on alcohol

Nabil al-Fadhl came under fire from other members of parliament after he said he supported the repeal of the law that forbids the sale and consumption of alcohol, calling Kuwait a “country with no joy”.

According to the International Business Times, al-Fadhl has now claimed a Muslim lawyer has filed charges against him for “insulting the honour” of Kuwait.

The argument ensued after al-Fadhl proposed lifting the 2004 law that bans dancing at concerts and festivals. He was challenged by another politician who asked him if that also meant he supports the repeal of the Kuwait’s alcohol ban.

Al-Fadhl responded: “Why not? Historically, many people in Kuwait drank alcohol on many occasions.”

He was swiftly condemned by other politicians who said al-Fadhl had suggested Kuwait was tolerant of alcohol consumption in the past.

However, the lawmaker said that despite his personal views, he was not planning to propose a bill lifting the ban.

The sale of alcohol in Kuwait has been outlawed since 1964, while consumption has been a criminal offence since 1983, meaning Kuwait joins Saudi Arabia as the only countries in the Gulf Arab region to impose a blanket ban.

While in Oman tourists can obtain permits to buy alcohol, politicians recently voted to impose a complete ban, a decision commentators have warned could drive production underground.