Seated in the lobby of a 5 star hotel yesterday, I could not help but overhear a conversation between two English speaking European tourists regarding the regulations that govern the sale of liquor at hotels.

"What a wretched law is this"?

"There is no liquor after midnight!"

"Are we expected to meditate or enjoy ourselves?"

"This is a horrible situation, why did we ever think of coming here?"

In order to check on the accuracy of the comments, a senior hotel manager was contacted. He confirmed that since April this year, the sale of liquor, after midnight , has been banned at all 5 star hotels. He added that since the majority of international flights arrive after midnight, they are embarrassed in having to inform the guests that liquor is not available after midnight. This situation has led to night clubs having to close down and guests moving out earlier than scheduled. Revenue is steadily being reduced while night staff are being laid off.

The ban on liquor is the most irrational decision taken and is bound to result in cancellations, he added . Hotels are willing to pay the additional licence fee for extended hours but there is nobody willing to listen nor is there access to the highest in the land, so that this situation could be explained .

Believe it or not, a 5 star hotel has been without a liquor licence for its speciality restaurant since its inception and there seems no chance it will get one in the near future.

"We are talking about developing tourism but by taking decisions about forcing hotel guests to abstain from liquor we are only causing the industry to slow down."

"Are we raving mad ?" he asked in desperation.