Bali Booze Blues……….

[VincentOG]

……… and Olive Oil Blues too ……….

At last, thanks to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the reasons for the restricted supply of alcohol in Bali are now more clear
(http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2008/s2450794.htm)

To put it succinctly;
1. Alcohol imported into Indonesia has always been subject to
(a) 150% import duty
(b) 40% luxury tax
(c) 10% sales tax
2. importers, hotels in Bali etc previously circumvented these rules by buying on the black market or by “negotiating” a low value on the import with the Indonesian Customs department
3. as part of SBY’s anti-corruption drive those loopholes have been closed
4. the result is imported wine and spirits are now subject to the full taxes on the real value
5. given next year’s election and SBY’s need to court the support of Muslim parties, he is unlikely to step in

A BBC report casts more light.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asi...ic/7782063.stm)

Another suggests there is a policy of introducing Islamic law by the back door.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asi...ic/6632239.stm)
The recent anti-pornography law seems to support this opinion.

To me, just as important as the booze supply is the supply of imported foodstuffs which are also being restricted.
In November my Japnese g/f & I found large sections of Papaya (the Japanese supermarket in Kuta) were empty.
Bali Deli, Carrefour and Gourmet Garage were OK but for how long?
So maybe, as well as vino, it’s goodbye to olive oil, parmesan etc.
My lifestyle of a simple rural existence in East Bali supplemented by weekly trips to Warisan, La Luciola, Ultimo etc for western pleasures could be thing of the past.
Expats who chose Thailand or Malaysia over Bali don’t seem to face these problems.

[Bert Vierstra]

Another suggests there is a policy of introducing Islamic law by the back door.

Well, I believe that if they start harassing the local alcohol producers. But there is no shortage of Arak or Bintang. Also the local brew "Wodka" (still tastes like Arak though) is still plenty afaik.

[Roy]

Brian at Naughty Nuri’s, told me today that his suppliers are now getting stock (booze) but the prices remain more than double what they were earlier this year.

[vandor]

Brian at Naughty Nuri’s, told me today that his suppliers are now getting stock (booze) but the prices remain more than double what they were earlier this year.

Most probably because the supplier now has to pay the duties which previously it did not.

[jmb]

Hi.. I am new to the forum.
I am visiting Bali Garden Hotel in Tuban on 28th Dec. for two weeks.
Please can you tell me if I can still bring with me duty free 1 ltr spirits and 1 bottle of wine ?
Or has the situation changed.? Where would be the best place to buy alcahol when we are there. A bottle of champagne would be nice for the New Year ! Or am I expecting too much.
I didnt know about the drink shortage untill I found this forum. :?
I say 'well done guys' for all the information, I have been fascinated reading it all.

A Merry Xmas and a Peaceful New Year to you all. from jmb. :)

[mat]

Hi jmb, I've never had trouble bringing spirits into Bali. Even bought double my allowance and showed the customs. They were not interesred and waved me on.
The shortage is the result of 99% of all booze coming through Java and of an attempt by the goverment to get their taxes before it is all creamed off by corrupt officials and smugglers. So they are counting, searching, being "jobsworths" and clogging up all the points of entry into Bali.
The only beer I know made on Bali is "Storm" which is well worh a try.

[toucan]

Hi JMB, the previous limit of 1 litre per person into Bali still applies, if you bring in over this amount be prepared to either have it taken from you or to pay a 'fine' to be allowed to keep it if you aren't as lucky as mat above and get waved through. The reported shortage of spirits relates to imported alcohol, there are local brands which you can buy at the larger supermarkets as well as many of the smaller shops. Not sure about champers, but I believe Bintang is freely available. You can also acquire a mighty fine hangover on arak. Happy New Year to you as well, have a great holiday!

[ronb]

Not sure about champers, but I believe Bintang is freely available.

Hatten have a white sparkling wine called Tunjung http://www.hattenwines.com/tunjung.html
and a sparking rose call Jepun
http://www.hattenwines.com/jepun.html
both are quite drinkable - and I think the price is around double the cost of the still wines (which seem to be increasing daily). So maybe they are about Rp140,000 per bottle.

[Markit]

Talked to some hoteliers before Xmas and they were organizing a boat to Java where the booze is supposed to be 1/3 the price it is here on Bali. :o

[SG]

Not sure about champers, but I believe Bintang is freely available.

Hatten have a white sparkling wine called Tunjung http://www.hattenwines.com/tunjung.html
and a sparking rose call Jepun
http://www.hattenwines.com/jepun.html
both are quite drinkable - and I think the price is around double the cost of the still wines (which seem to be increasing daily). So maybe they are about Rp140,000 per bottle.

Sorry Ron, they may be drinkable to some but they're just a step above paint stripper for me. Each to his own I guess.

I'm back in the western world right now and it's such a pleasure to be able to access quality drinkable wines at a reasonable price everywhere.