SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has no qualms in holding festivals that celebrate and serve liquor, provided the event organisers adhere to the conditions set by the local councils.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the state government had previously given its approval to organisers to hold such events without any issues.
“It is not an issue at all in Selangor (to hold festivals that serve alcoholic drinks).
“We have been giving approval (to organisers of such events) over the last few years. But the organisers must fulfil and act in accordance with the terms and conditions.
“That is the (state government’s) normal practice. So we will continue to give approval, subject to the compliance and terms set by the respective local councils,” he told reporters after launching the Institute of Empowered Women here today.
Azmin was commenting on the Better Beer Festival 2017 controversy and the Centro Mall German Food and Beverage Festival issue.
It was reported that Azmin had said the state government would not prevent any beer festivals from being held in the state as it was in line with the state’s principles of respecting the rights of people from other religions and races.
The Better Beer Festival was scheduled to be held at Publika Shopping Gallery on Oct 6 and 7, but Kuala Lumpur City Hall called off the event following police’s objection.
The Centro Mall German Food and Beverage Festival, which would involve alcoholic drinks, was scheduled to be held on Oct 12 and 13.
Both events did not get police’s support due to security concerns. Police had said they had received information on possible militant attacks at the events.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) president Datuk Mohamad Yasid Bidin had said the council did not issue a permit for the event as the organiser, Centro Properties Sdn Bhd, had failed to meet the necessary requirements, one of the main requirements being the need to have police approval.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun today had reiterated its stand that the decision to call off the Better Beer Festival was made following intelligence reports that certain parties had planned to sabotage the event.
He said police were aware that such festivals had been organised before in the past, but they were was not banned as there were no indications of such threats previously.