Saudi Arabia has announced updated regulations on alcohol as it prepares to inaugurate the first-ever liquor store in the capital, Riyadh.

In the strict Islamic country, the sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited, with violators facing penalties such as lashes, deportation, fines, and imprisonment.

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The new rules, aimed at regulating alcohol quotas for non-Muslim diplomatic missions, are intended to combat the illicit trade of alcohol goods, as stated by the governmental Center of International Communication (CIC).

According to a report from Reuters, the inaugural alcohol store in Riyadh will exclusively cater to non-Muslim diplomats.

In response to the report, the CIC explained that the new process aims to allocate specific quantities of alcohol goods upon entry into the Kingdom, replacing the previous unregulated system that led to an uncontrolled exchange of such goods within the country.

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Although the CIC did not specify whether a physical store would be opened, it emphasized that the new regulatory framework is designed to address the illicit trade of alcohol goods received by diplomatic missions.