GEORGE TOWN: Lorong Stewart, one of Penang’s heritage enclave here, has been turned into a drinking joint.
Chairs and tables have been placed by the roadside in front of a shop, which sells liquor and alcoholic beverages. Patrons consume alcohol openly at the spot.
An illegal shisha stall has also been set up nearby.
The crowd at the “open bar” runs into the hundreds at weekends.
A resident, Annie Lee, 34, said she saw about 100 patrons at the open bar recently.
“I was annoyed as they were being a nuisance and blocking traffic. I was concerned, too, as most of them were drunk and shouting at each other.”
Consumers Association of Penang president S.M. Idris said the local council should shut down the open bar and shisha outlet.
“We cannot allow these activities to be carried out.
“The local authorities must close down these outlets instead of issuing fines.”
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Penang Island City Council Licensing Department director Azman Sirun said the liquor shop owner had a licence to sell alcoholic beverages, but he was not allowed to place chairs and tables on public premises or road.
“We have issued a notice under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Buildings Act 1974.
“We have also issued notices to illegal hawkers there, as well as those offering shisha services.”