Arielle Cruz
Alcohol is consumed across the world in social situations, at home, and in licensed establishments such as pubs and bars. However, the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in many countries. These prohibitions are often influenced by religious laws, with alcohol considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. As a result, alcohol consumption is banned or restricted in many Muslim-majority countries, including Afghanistan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen. Some countries, like the United Arab Emirates, have reformed their laws to decriminalize alcohol for non-Muslims or those over a certain age. Other countries with alcohol restrictions include South Africa, which temporarily banned alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, and certain communities in Canada, Australia, and India.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries where alcohol is banned | 14 |
| Countries where alcohol is banned | Afghanistan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Iran, Kuwait, Brunei, Bangladesh, Mauritania, Maldives, United Arab Emirates |
| Countries where alcohol is allowed but restricted | India, Canada, United States, Qatar, Iraq |
| Religious laws forbidding alcohol consumption | Islam |
| Countries with historical alcohol bans | United States, Faroe Islands, Hungary, Iceland |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol prohibition in Muslim-majority countries
Alcohol is consumed across the world, but its consumption is not considered legal everywhere. Religious laws, such as those in Islamic countries, often forbid its consumption.
In Muslim-majority countries, alcohol laws vary widely. In some countries, alcohol is strictly prohibited, while in others, it is allowed under certain conditions. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, the consumption and sale of alcohol is permitted in certain emirates, but it is completely banned in the emirate of Sharjah. Similarly, in Oman, alcohol is legal for non-Muslim foreigners and can be consumed in licensed establishments, but it is illegal for Muslims and in public spaces. In Yemen, alcohol is illegal, but before the war, tourists were allowed to consume it in certain hotels in Aden and Sana'a.
Some countries have a more relaxed approach, allowing non-Muslims to consume alcohol under specific conditions. In Brunei, non-Muslims over 17 can import a limited amount of alcohol and consume it in private, while in Pakistan, non-Muslims and foreigners can purchase alcohol in wine stores and consume it in hotels, but it is illegal for Muslims. In Afghanistan, locals are banned from possessing and consuming alcohol, but establishments in Kabul are licensed to sell drinks to foreigners.
Other countries enforce a complete ban on alcohol. In Libya, alcohol sale and consumption are banned, with strict punishments for those who break the law. Similarly, in Sudan, an Islamist state, the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol have been prohibited since 1983, primarily for Muslims. In Somalia, another Islamic country, alcohol manufacture, trade, and consumption are also entirely banned.
The consumption of alcohol in Muslim-majority countries is a complex issue, with laws varying significantly depending on the region and its interpretation of Islamic teachings.
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Alcohol restrictions in non-Muslim-majority countries
Alcohol is prohibited in many countries, with laws ranging from partial to complete bans. While alcohol prohibition is prevalent in Muslim-majority countries, several non-Muslim-majority countries also enforce restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Brunei
In Brunei, non-Muslims above 17 years of age can possess and consume a limited amount of alcohol. However, they must declare it to customs upon arrival and consume it in private.
Chile
Alcohol is prohibited in public places in Chile, except for bars and restaurants. A nationwide ban on alcohol sales is enforced on election days.
China
Alcohol prohibition is enforced in regions with a Muslim-majority population within China, including Gansu, Ningxia, and Xinjiang.
India
While India does not have a countrywide ban on alcohol, certain states like Gujarat, Nagaland, and Bihar have strictly prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol within their boundaries. Other states, such as Manipur, Lakshadweep, and Kerala, have local restrictions or observe "dry days" during special festivals and national holidays.
Indonesia
Alcohol prohibition is limited to the Aceh province in Indonesia. Public consumption is illegal, but non-Muslims and foreign tourists are allowed to consume alcohol in private under certain circumstances.
Iran
In Iran, alcohol consumption is prohibited for Muslim citizens. However, non-Muslims are allowed to manufacture and consume alcohol under specific terms and conditions. Non-Muslims entering the country are permitted to bring alcohol with them.
Norway
Alcohol can only be purchased in Norway within a designated time frame on weekdays. It is illegal to drink in public, except in bars and restaurants. Nightclubs and bars must stop serving alcohol after 3 am.
South Africa
South Africa has had a complex history with alcohol prohibition, with the country reimposing and lifting bans multiple times in recent years.
Sudan
Sudan, an Islamist state, has prohibited the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages since 1983. While the law primarily applies to Muslims, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol within their private quarters.
United Arab Emirates
Alcohol laws in the United Arab Emirates vary across its emirates. In the Emirate of Sharjah, alcohol is completely banned. In other emirates, alcohol is allowed to be sold in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars, but consumption is restricted to private residences or licensed establishments. Non-Muslims can possess and consume alcohol with a license, and foreign tourists can bring a limited amount of alcohol for personal use.
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Alcohol availability in hotels and restaurants
In other countries, alcohol is permitted in hotels and restaurants, but there may be certain restrictions. For instance, in Scotland, alcohol cannot be sold in shops before 10 am or after 10 pm, but sales in bars, pubs, and other licensed establishments are allowed. In Northern Ireland, alcohol cannot be sold between 11 pm and 8 am.
The availability of alcohol in hotels also varies, with some hotels offering a wider range of alcoholic beverages than others. According to a survey, 61% of travellers use their in-room minibars most or all of the time. Brand and quality are important factors, and guests are willing to pay more for well-known brands and better-quality beverages. Three in five consumers purchase alcoholic drinks from hotel restaurants most or all of the time, with price, happy hour offerings, and extensive menu options being important factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced drinking preferences, with an increase in the use of grab-and-go kiosks, room service, and minibars.
Some hotel chains, such as MEININGER Hotels, have policies on alcohol consumption that vary depending on the country's laws and regulations. These policies include the legal drinking age, restrictions on alcohol use, and rules regarding bringing outside alcohol onto the premises. It is important for guests to respect these regulations and check with hotel reception for specific information.
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Alcohol consumption in private spaces
Alcohol consumption is a widespread practice, but it is not considered legal in many countries. While some nations have comprehensive prohibitions against alcohol, others enforce partial bans or restrictions. For instance, in the United Arab Emirates, the consumption and sale of alcohol is regulated and largely confined to specific emirates or licensed establishments. Similarly, in Brunei, non-Muslims above the age of 17 can possess and consume alcohol, but only in private and with a declaration to customs authorities.
The legality of alcohol consumption in private spaces varies across different countries and regions. In some places, drinking in private residences is generally permitted without age restrictions, such as in Laos. However, in other areas, the consumption of alcohol in private spaces is restricted based on religious or cultural norms. For example, in Muslim-majority countries like Yemen, the sale and consumption of alcohol are often banned or highly regulated, with exceptions sometimes made for non-Muslim foreigners or specific licensed establishments. In the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Muslim residents are barred from alcohol-related activities, while non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol in their homes or in establishments with valid permits.
Some countries have dynamic policies regarding alcohol consumption in private spaces. For instance, in Latvia, drinking alcoholic beverages in public was previously banned, but as of 2020, the national ban has been lifted, although individual municipalities can still enforce separate rules. Similarly, in Lithuania, drinking in public is prohibited and subject to fines, but there is no mention of restrictions in private residences. Mexico also falls into this category, with alcohol consumption generally prohibited in public but allowed in private settings without federal restrictions.
A few countries have unique regulations regarding alcohol consumption in private spaces. In Belgium, while drinking in public is legal, certain cities like Antwerp and Brussels have local ordinances prohibiting consumption in specific public areas, such as major squares or streets near the city centre. In the United States, the legality of alcohol consumption in public and private spaces can vary from state to state. While some states have open-container laws prohibiting possession or consumption in public places, others have more lenient regulations or specific exemptions, such as in Indiana, where consumption in public is allowed, and in California, where open containers are only prohibited in certain public spaces.
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Alcohol laws for tourists
Alcohol laws vary across the world, and it is important to be aware of these differences when travelling. Drinking alcohol is a socially acceptable part of the culture in many countries, but there are some destinations where alcohol is prohibited or restricted. Some countries have a total ban on drinking, a partial ban on public consumption, or a local ban for citizens. Here are some examples of alcohol laws for tourists:
Brunei
Non-Muslims over 17 years of age may have a limited amount of alcohol, but they must declare it to customs authorities on arrival and consume it in private.
United Arab Emirates
Alcohol is illegal for Muslims and in the Emirate of Sharjah. In 2020, the UAE introduced reforms that decriminalised alcohol for those 21 and over. Drinking in public is an offence, and you cannot sell or offer alcohol to someone under 21 years old.
Libya
Alcohol sale and consumption are banned completely. Strict punishments are meted out to those who publicly sell or consume alcohol. Tourists are advised to respect the local customs and regulations.
Maldives
Alcohol is banned for the local population. Only some hotels and restaurants with special permits are allowed to sell alcohol to visitors.
Sudan
The manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been prohibited in the country since 1983. The law primarily applies to Muslims, and non-Muslims may consume alcohol within their private quarters. Tourists are advised to respect local rules and customs, including the laws on alcohol consumption.
Saudi Arabia
The sale and possession of alcohol are completely illegal for all residents and tourists, including non-Muslims, with the exception of foreign diplomats.
Syria
Alcohol sales and consumption are illegal for Muslims, with exceptions for the non-Muslim population, such as Christians.
Norway
Alcohol can only be sold in stores within a specific time frame on weekdays. It is illegal to drink in public, except at bars and restaurants. Nightclubs and bars cannot serve alcohol after 3 am, and alcohol stronger than 4.7% is only sold in designated stores.
Oman
Alcohol is legal for non-Muslim foreigners at restaurants, hotels, and bars, and at home with a license. It is illegal to consume alcohol in public.
Pakistan
Alcohol is legal for non-Muslims and foreigners and is served at hotels. Non-Muslim minorities can apply for alcohol permits. It is illegal for Muslims to brew, sell, or consume alcohol within the country.
It is important to note that alcohol laws can change over time, and it is always best to check the most up-to-date information before travelling. Tourists should familiarise themselves with the drinking laws and cultural norms of their destination to avoid any legal or social issues.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear how many countries alcohol is permitted in as laws are always changing. However, as of 2024, alcohol was banned to some degree in at least 14 countries.
Afghanistan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and the Maldives are some examples of countries that have a total ban on alcohol.
Some countries, like the United Arab Emirates, allow alcohol sales under very strict regulations. In the UAE, the consumption of alcohol is decriminalized for those 21 and over, except in the Emirate of Sharjah. In Pakistan, it is illegal for Muslims to drink alcohol, but non-Muslims can obtain alcohol licenses. In Iran, Muslims are also not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol, but non-Muslims can buy it under certain conditions.
Alcohol is banned in some countries due to a multitude of factors, including public health government regulations and religious laws forbidding its consumption. In Muslim-majority countries, alcohol is considered "haram" (not permissible) and is believed to be against the principles of Islam.
