Damascus restricts sale of alcoholic beverages to Christian neighborhoods
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian transitional government issued on Monday a new decision restricting the sale of alcoholic beverages to Christian neighborhoods, citing public complaints and concerns over social conduct.
The Damascus Governorate announced that serving alcoholic drinks in restaurants and nightclubs across three neighborhoods will be prohibited under the new regulations.
According to the decision, the sale of sealed alcoholic beverages will be limited to licensed shops located in three neighborhoods: Bab Touma, Qassaa, and Bab Sharqi. The three neighborhoods are inhabited by the Christians.
In a statement, the governorate said the measure was introduced following multiple complaints from residents and at the request of the local community, with the aim of curbing what it described as “behaviors that violate public morals.”
The decision stipulates that only shops already licensed under commercial zoning regulations will be permitted to sell sealed alcoholic products.
It also imposes spatial restrictions, requiring a minimum distance of 75 meters between such outlets and places of worship, cemeteries, and schools.
Additionally, business owners must sign a notarized pledge committing not to serve alcoholic drinks by the glass within their premises.
Authorities granted a three-month grace period for businesses currently engaged in selling sealed alcoholic beverages within the city to comply with the new rules.
The move reflects increasing regulatory measures by local authorities in Damascus to control public space activities, amid ongoing economic and social pressures in the Syrian capital.