Syrian alcohol sales limits in Damascus trigger backlash

DAMASCUS,— Hundreds of Syrians gathered Sunday in the capital to protest new restrictions on alcohol sales, highlighting concern among residents that the country’s Islamist-led leadership could limit long-standing secular practices in Damascus.

The protest took place in Bab Touma, a largely Christian district known for its historic streets and mixed population.

Demonstrators from different religious communities assembled in a public square, chanting slogans and holding signs calling for the protection of personal freedoms and minority rights.

“Syrians are united!” protesters shouted, while others carried banners urging authorities to preserve civil liberties. The rally remained peaceful as security forces, heavily armed, surrounded the area and monitored the gathering without intervening.

Isa Qazah, a 45-year-old sculptor who lives in the neighborhood, said the demonstration was about broader principles rather than alcohol itself. He spoke while standing among the narrow stone alleys near the Old City.

“This isn’t about a desire to drink, it’s about the right to choose,” he said. “We’re here to stand up for a principle.”

The protest followed a decree issued last week by the governor of Damascus banning the serving of alcoholic drinks in restaurants and nightclubs across the city.

The order requires businesses to remove alcohol offerings within three months and shift to different licensing if they wish to continue operating.

Authorities said the move was taken at the request of local communities. The decision comes as Syria’s interim leadership faces pressure from conservative factions pushing for stricter religious measures.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not publicly commented on the issue.

Syrian alcohol, Arak Al Rayan. Photo: SM

Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, currently leads the interim Islamist government. His background includes involvement with al-Qaeda and ISIS, and he later founded al-Nusra Front, which eventually became Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

More than a year after the removal of former President Bashar Assad, Syria continues to face challenges following 14 years of war and decades of authoritarian rule. The country is still shaping its political and social direction.

Assad, who belongs to the Alawite minority, promoted a secular system that helped secure backing from minority groups in the Sunni-majority country.

While political freedoms were limited under his rule, social practices such as alcohol consumption and nightlife were generally permitted.

Since taking office, al-Sharaa has pledged to unify the country and respect its diversity. So far, his administration has taken limited steps in enforcing social restrictions, but concerns remain among Syria’s various religious and ethnic communities.

Violence has also contributed to tensions. Over the past year, attacks by pro-government Sunni fighters have killed hundreds of people from Alawite and Druze groups, increasing fears among minorities.

Many protesters said the new alcohol rules could deepen divisions. The decree allows limited alcohol sales in three mainly Christian neighborhoods, including Bab Touma, al-Qassaa and Bab Sharqi, but imposes strict conditions.

Businesses in these areas are not allowed to serve alcohol on their premises. Shops may only sell sealed bottles for takeaway. Additional restrictions require vendors to operate at specific distances from mosques, schools, police stations and government buildings.

Some demonstrators said the policy unfairly singles out Christian communities by linking them to what authorities described as violations of public morality.

Fawaz Bahauddin Khawja, a Christian lawyer who attended the rally, questioned the reasoning behind the measure.

“How have our neighborhoods come to violate basic public etiquette? The divisions this creates are both unjust and irresponsible,” he said. “This is the true face of Damascus, united under one banner, the Syrian flag.”

Late Saturday, officials in Damascus issued a statement addressing the criticism. The statement apologized to the Christian community for any misunderstanding and clarified that hotels would not be subject to the same alcohol restrictions.

Authorities also said the regulation does not interfere with personal freedoms, adding that similar controls on alcohol exist in many countries, though enforcement varies.

(With files from AP)