KUALA LUMPUR – Bangsar Restaurant Bar Owners Association president, Joshua Devarajoo, has strongly refuted claims that bar owners are to blame for disturbances caused by intoxicated individuals in the Bangsar area, amid growing public complaints of rowdy crowds.
Joshua response comes after residents in the Telawi neighbourhood voiced their frustration over a surge in disruptive behaviour in the area over the past few years.
These issues, which include late-night noise, vandalism, extortion attempts, and violent brawls, have reportedly become a regular occurrence, affecting the quality of life in the neighbourhood.
The frustrations of the residents were echoed by Bukit Bandaraya Residents’ Association advisor, Datuk M. Ali, who pointed to the operating hours of some bars and pubs in the Telawi area as contributing to the ongoing problems.
Speaking to Scoop, Joshua, who also owns Bilique Bangsar, argued that the real cause of the issues lies in the sale of alcohol by convenience stores after hours.
“It’s unfair for certain individuals to blame business owners, as we are not the cause of these problems. We strictly abide by our business licence regulations and always ensure we close by 2am.
“After 2am, it is impossible for anyone to purchase alcoholic beverages or liquor from our establishments. Most of the drunkards who cause issues, such as fights, are those who buy their drinks from convenience stores after 2am.
“There have been many instances where even our MP, Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), has advised convenience stores to stop stocking or selling alcohol after 10 pm, yet they fail to listen.
“Because of convenience stores and a few outlets that do not follow the rules, innocent bar and pub owners like myself are being unfairly blamed. This needs to stop, and the authorities must take action against convenience stores selling alcohol after 10 pm We don’t want our businesses to be affected by these unnecessary allegations,” said Joshua.
In November 2021, the sale of hard liquor or distilled spirits was banned at convenience stores, grocery shops, and Chinese medicinal outlets. However, beer can still be purchased from 7am to 9pm.
Bars, pubs, lounges, and restaurants with licences to sell alcohol are permitted to do so from 10 am until midnight, with the option to apply for an extension until 2am.
In 2021, a man was killed in a brawl, and his friends were injured after being attacked by a group of armed men wielding helmets, knives, and beer bottles, following a night out on Jalan Telawi.
After the incident, Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, visited the Telawi area and expressed his concerns on Twitter.
Recent reports also revealed that a 78-year-old woman was seriously injured in a snatch theft on Jalan Limau Manis last year. – November 16, 2024