Liquor

April 2003

A new law will protect small liquor stores vulnerable to intensified competition. Under the eased restrictions, supermarket chains, pizza delivery firms and other players may enter the liquor business. Under the new law, effective until the end of August 2005, new liquor stores will be forbidden from opening for one year in areas where the number of such stores is judged to be excessive in comparison with population levels. (April 24, Jiji Press, the Japan Times)