The officials and coaches travelling with the athletes are left high and dry because of the 'no alcohol' policy at the Asian Games Village, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Indonesia, the host of 2018 Asian Games and also the largest Muslim population in the world, has banned liquor sale from mini market and small shops since 2015, with an exception the famous-among-worldwide-tourists Bali province, where the majority is Hindu.
Some people are said to have tried smuggling alcoholic beverages into the Village but to no avail. A coach of Indian contingent told Press Trust of India that security guards are very strict about making the place an alcohol-free zone. Thus, they are left with the option to leave the Villages to have a drink or two.
Outside of the village, alcohol is readily available in the supermarkets, restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels. In Jakarta, this might not be a problem, but it is tough to find even a mild beer in the port city of Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province, a co-host city for the Asiad.
Since Jakabaring Sport City that houses the Games’ venues, as well as the accommodation, is quite far from the downtown, this becomes quite a hassle for those who just want a quick sip of alcohols.
Even if this is not a problem for those staying at hotels, usually the technical officials, the alcohols served are set at higher prices due to the high tax applied to them.
Source: Hindustan Times