Bangladesh Hotel Restaurant & Bar Owners Association has demanded the formulation of a separate “Alcohol Control and Management Act,” separating the regulatory framework for legal alcohol and alcohol-related beverages from the existing Narcotics Control Act 2018.
The association’s President Major (retd) M Jahangir Hussain also called for the formation of a high-level committee for this purpose, with representatives from relevant business organisations included in the drafting process.
The organisation submitted a memorandum containing these demands to Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The memorandum highlighted that legal alcohol – produced by the state-owned Carew & Co, or imported legally with government approval and high customs duty payments – is kept under the same legal framework as banned narcotics.
This has subjected both business owners and consumers to various social and administrative harassment.
According to the association, there are several conflicting and dual control issues between the “Narcotics Control Act-2018” and the “Alcohol Control Rules-2022.”
They stated that although applications had previously been submitted to relevant ministries and various levels of the government to identify and amend these conflicts, no desired remedy was received.
Prior to the amendment process of the Narcotics Control Act on 24 June 2026, the association had submitted a proposal to the Home Minister to amend the law and rules or to formulate a separate “Alcohol Control Rules 2026.”
Before that, on 21 October 2025, they had also applied to the then law adviser to separate alcohol-related provisions from the Narcotics Control Act-2018 and enact a separate law.
Furthermore, the association expressed deep concern over potential moves to limit or shut down existing provisions in the regulations for transferring valid bar licences from one location to another.
In this regard, a realistic proposal was submitted to the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs on 9 June 2026.
The association argued that presenting legally sold alcohol in authorised bars and tourism-related establishments in the same category as banned narcotics causes confusion in law enforcement.
They alleged that even when a single beer is found with an individual, the incident is publicised as a “narcotics recovery” case.
The association believes that while the Narcotics Control Act should remain in force to handle, prosecute and punish banned and dangerous drugs, a separate law is needed for the production, import, storage, sale, marketing, and consumption of legal alcohol, as well as associated offences and punishments.
They stated that such a separation would make law enforcement clearer and more effective, while drawing a distinct line between legal business and the illegal drug trade.
The organisation further emphasised that legally run alcohol bars are crucial service facilities for foreign tourists and investors in the tourism industry. Consequently, updating alcohol-related legislation is vital for the development of tourism, attracting foreign direct investment, and boosting government revenue.
The memorandum listed three primary demands – the formation of a high-level committee to separate alcohol-related matters from the Narcotics Control Act, the formulation of an independent “Alcohol Control and Management Act,” and the inclusion of representatives from relevant trade organisations in the drafting committee.
The association maintained that consulting with businesspeople, tourism sector stakeholders, health experts, and criminologists prior to drafting the law would help establish a balanced regulatory framework.
They expressed hope that the new legislation would not only curb the abuse of alcohol but also better organise legal business, tourism, and revenue management.
