Syrian authorities restrict alcohol sales in Damascus: What to know
The new rule has added to concern over the socially conservative Islamist underpinnings of Syria's new leadership.
Damascus authorities issued a decree late on Monday restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol in the Syrian capital in the latest tilt toward social conservatism under the country’s leadership.
The order, published by the official Facebook page of the Damascus governorate, mandates that existing nightclub and bar licenses be converted to cafe licenses and effectively bans the serving of alcohol for on-site consumption.
Under the decree, alcoholic beverages may only be sold in factory-sealed bottles for takeaway within the predominantly Christian neighborhoods of Bab Touma, Al-Qassaa and Bab Sharqi. Establishments must already be licensed for alcohol sales under their original commercial permits.
The decision also imposes zoning rules on alcohol sales. Any outlet selling sealed alcoholic beverages must be at least 75 meters away from places of worship including mosques and churches, as well as cemeteries and schools of any kind. There is a 20-meter buffer zone around police stations and official government buildings.
