Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the licensing rules, to be implemented in all states and local governments by the customs department next month, would be burdensome for businesses.

Department officials have reportedly said the licensing rules were based on a 1976 excise regulation.

At a press conference at Wisma DAP here today, Lim said the proposed RM1,300 liquor licence application fee was too expensive for small coffee shops and restaurants that had tiny profit margins.

“These businesses might stop selling alcoholic beverages rather than incur additional expenses,” he said, adding that the licensing rules could also invite lawsuits from businesses.

Lim also criticised the government for making an issue of the sale of alcoholic beverages in coffee shops and restaurants.

“For decades, we never had any problems with these premises selling beer and stout. How is this an issue now?” he asked.

He also said the licensing rules infringed on the rights and freedom of non-Muslims.

“It is coincidental that these rules are being proposed when PAS is in power,” he said, referring to the Kedah government, which most recently proposed restrictions on the sale of alcohol and an effecting ban on gaming shops.

Responding to his party’s decision to challenge the licensing rules in court, Lim said: “We do not want to be two-faced like MCA – outspoken in the Chinese media, but submissive to the government.”

On Dec 4, China Press reported that the customs department would implement the liquor licensing rules for coffee shops and restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages starting next month.

It also reported that the Perlis government and its local councils had limited the sale of alcoholic beverages in coffee shops and restaurants to four cartons a day.