Damascus authorities ban alcohol sales in non-Christian areas

Damascus authorities ban alcohol sales in non-Christian areas Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Tue, 03/17/2026 - 09:12 Officials say restrictions come after complaints from locals and crackdown on 'practices contrary to public morals' An employee of Arados brewery works on the production line at the company's plant in the northwestern Syrian town of Safita on November 15, 2017 (AFP) Off Authorities in the Syrian capital Damascus have announced a city-wide ban on alcohol with the exception of a number of Christian neighbourhoods. In an announcement issued on Monday, the city of Damascus announced that "the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city". It cited "numerous" complaints and requests from locals and said the new ban was aimed at "eliminating practices contrary to public morals".