A Nation Divided: The Controversy Over Damascus’s capital New Alcohol Ban

 

A Storm of Criticism and Support

Against the decision because it interferes with personal freedoms.
I support the decision because alcohol is forbidden in Islam, and the constitutional declaration states that Islamic jurisprudence is the main source of legislation.
Against the decision because it will harm the tourism sector. 

In favor of the decision because it saves the cost of importing alcohol in favor of essential goods.

Against the decision because it Islamizes the state and society.

In favor of the decision because Syria is a Muslim country.

Against the decision because it restricts non‑Muslim minorities.

In favor of the decision because minorities are expected to respect the sanctities of the majority.

Against the decision because there are more important priorities.

There is no problem addressing both the important and the less important.

Against the decision because it opens the door to similar decisions.

Perhaps we need similar decisions.

Against the decision because the Syrian people did not sacrifice in order to restrict freedom.

In favor of the decision because most of those who sacrificed come from an Islamic background, and because citizens’ complaints about drunk individuals have increased.

The Alcohol Ban Decision

Damascus Governorate issued a decision banning the serving of alcoholic beverages of all kinds inside restaurants and nightclubs on Sunday, March 15, 2026, under penalty of “taking the necessary measures against them.”

As soon as the decision was published, a storm of supportive and opposing comments erupted on social media, inside and outside the country.

The governorate said in a Facebook post that after “a number of complaints,” and “based on the request of the local community,” and “with the aim of eliminating immoral behaviors,” the Executive Office of the Damascus Provincial Council decided to ban alcoholic beverages inside restaurants and nightclubs in Damascus.

The decision restricted the sale of sealed alcoholic beverages to shops specifically licensed for commercial use in the neighborhoods of Bab Touma, Qassaa, and Bab Sharqi (neighborhoods with a Christian majority).

The decision required that the shop be at least 75 meters away from places of worship, schools, cemeteries, and a 20‑meter radius around police stations and government offices.

The decision also required a notarized pledge to refrain from serving alcohol by the glass inside the shop under penalty of license cancellation and closure. It granted a three‑month grace period for sealed‑alcohol shops in Damascus to adjust their status according to the decision, assigning the Professions and Licensing Department to follow up on all procedures in coordination with the Old Damascus Directorate, under the responsibility of the Professions and Licensing Directorate.

Context

Damascus is not the first city to ban alcohol; several countries preceded it, including Western ones such as the United States in 1920. Currently, some American cities impose seasonal bans.

As in the American experience, smuggling and secret places for selling and consuming alcohol are expected to flourish. But unlike the United States, it is unlikely that Damascus Governorate will reverse the decision, as it enjoys support among conservative Islamic circles inside and outside the city.

Concerns

Opponents of the decision on social media fear that other governorates may follow the capital’s lead, while supporters hope the decision will be applied nationwide.

Latakia Governorate had previously banned the use of cosmetics by female employees during official working hours in a controversial decision, as well as banning bikinis on Syrian beaches last year.

Initiatives by activists calling on the government to ban public eating during Ramadan sparked similar controversy to the Damascus decision, while fears grow among the country’s minorities and “moderate” Islamic circles about restricting what they consider “personal freedoms” they enjoyed under the previous regime. Activists responded that personal freedoms must respect the community’s feelings and customs, while remaining free to practice them inside homes.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Minister of Interior inaugurated a women’s police academy a few days ago, a step some considered empowerment of women, while others mocked it since most of the women are veiled.

what do you think? share your thoughts in comments.

Syria News Report