Muslims have been barred from attending a concert in Malaysia by US hip hop band the Black Eyed Peas because it is being sponsored by Guinness.
The move comes after a Malaysian Islamic court sentenced a 32-year Muslim woman to be caned after she was caught drinking beer in a hotel and at a time when an opposition Islamic party has moved against beer sales.
The concert, part of celebrations of Guinness 250th birthday, asks on its website (www.arthursday.com.my) "Are you a non-Muslim aged 18 years and above?" and if the response is no, access is not allowed.
Muslims account for 55 per cent of the 27 million people in Malaysia. While they are barred by their beliefs from consuming alcohol, the rules are regularly flouted, especially in big cities like the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Guinness Anchor, which sells Guinness and other brands in Malaysia, had sales of 1.2 billion Malaysian ringgit (€240 million) last year.
Even without alcohol, foreign bands are subject to scrutiny.
Earlier this week, the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) said it wanted Danish band Michael Learns to Rock banned from performing as it would cause immorality.
Since 2007, PAS, the country's second largest political group measured by party membership, has campaigned against performances by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne.
Reuters