Drinks Shut Down: Damascus Bars Face New Rules

Syrian Government Bans Alcohol in Restaurants and Bars

The Syrian government has decided to shut down alcohol sales in restaurants and bars across the capital city. The order, announced by the local governor on Monday evening, says that venues must change their licenses from “nightclub” or “bar” to “cafe.” Only sealed bottles can be sold for take‑away, and sales are allowed only in areas that are mainly Christian.

Any place that sells alcohol must be at least 75 metres from churches or schools and 20 metres from security posts. The decree gives owners three months to follow the new rules.

A bar owner in Damascus, who did not want his name known for fear of trouble, said he would close his shop. He explained that customers have dropped sharply since the Islamist‑led government took over, and he sees no point in turning his place into a dry café. He added that people do not visit for pizza or shisha, but mainly for drinks.

After the rebels, led by Ahmed al‑Sharaa, toppled Bashar al‑Assad in December 2024, many restaurants stopped serving alcohol or changed how they did it. Some removed beer and wine from the menu, while others began pouring drinks into tea glasses to keep them out of sight.

Sharaa has promised that Syria will respect rights and freedoms. He told the U.N. General Assembly in September that the country is now building institutions based on the rule of law. Yet a Washington‑based human rights group says that existing Syrian laws do not forbid alcohol, and the new decree conflicts with Article 12 of the Constitutional Declaration approved last year. That declaration incorporates many international human rights treaties, some of which protect the right to consume alcohol.

The government’s new rules also reflect a stricter application of religious conservatism. During the holy month of Ramadan, authorities have taken action against people who break their fasts. A woman in Hama’s Salamiyah area was arrested for ending her fast early, charged with “violating public morals.” A bakery near Damascus fired employees for the same reason.

These measures show a clear shift toward enforcing conservative values in public life, as the Islamist‑led government tightens control over social habits and religious observance. The move has sparked debate about individual freedoms, legal authority, and the balance between tradition and modern rights in Syria.