Syria walks back Damascus alcohol ban after outcry from residents

Syria walks back Damascus alcohol ban after outcry from residents Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Sun, 03/22/2026 - 12:32 Governorate apologises to Christian communities who argued they were being singled out by new ban Syrians protest in the neighbourhood of Bab Touma over public restrictions, including alcohol (screengrab) Off Syrian authorities have walked back an announced ban on alcohol in Damascus after outcry from residents and accusations of sectarianism. In an announcement issued on Monday, the city of Damascus ordered that "the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city" with the exception of the Christian neighbourhoods of Bab Touma, Qassaa and Bab Sharqi. It cited "numerous" complaints and requests from locals and said the new ban was aimed at "eliminating practices contrary to public morals".