Alcohol Sales: Banned Or Restricted?

Alcohol prohibition, also known as the dry crusade, has been implemented in various forms throughout history, targeting the manufacture, storage, transportation, sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The effectiveness of such bans is debated, with some studies suggesting a reduction in alcohol-related harm, while others highlight negative economic impacts and limited long-term effects on consumption. The history of prohibition is particularly notable in the United States, with the Eighteenth Amendment enforcing nationwide prohibition from 1920 to 1933, before being repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment. Today, alcohol laws vary across the United States, with individual states having the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdictions, resulting in a mix of dry counties and municipalities that restrict or prohibit liquor sales.

Characteristics of the ban on the sale of alcohol

Alcohol sale restrictions on Sundays in the US

Sunday has long been a day of worship and rest in the United States, with roots in the Christian tradition. As such, alcohol sales on Sundays have been restricted or banned in many states. While some states have moved away from these so-called "blue laws", others have retained them.

Blue laws are laws designed to restrict certain activities on Sundays or other specific days for religious reasons. The term "blue law" refers to any restriction or ban on specific activities on Sundays, and while there is no universally agreed-upon etymology, it does not refer to the colour of the paper on which these laws were printed, as has been suggested. The Twenty-first Amendment grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction, so laws surrounding alcohol vary significantly across the US.

Some states have removed bans on Sunday alcohol sales in recent years. Connecticut, for example, repealed its ban in 2012, and Washington state voters adopted Initiative 229 in 1966, which repealed the "blue law" that had been enacted in 1909. In 2005, the state began allowing off-premises spirits sales in select stores on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Delaware also removed its ban in 2003, and Pennsylvania has relatively stricter alcohol laws, with Sunday sales only permitted from noon to 5 p.m. at state-operated liquor stores.

However, many states still retain restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales. Indiana, for example, is the only state with a ban on off-premise Sunday sales of all alcoholic beverages. In Arkansas, 39 of the state's 75 counties are "dry", meaning the sale of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited entirely. Mississippi also prohibits the sale of alcohol on Sundays statewide, and nearly half of the state's counties ban liquor sales. In New Mexico, there are no alcohol sales on or off-premise on Sundays.

The impact of removing Sunday alcohol sales bans has been studied, with some states experiencing significant increases in overall alcohol consumption. For example, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico saw notable increases in consumption after repealing their Sunday sales restrictions. However, the effect in Massachusetts and Rhode Island was insignificant. Studies have also shown a correlation between limiting the days when alcohol is sold and a decrease in alcohol-related crimes.

US Prohibition and its legacy

The Prohibition era in the United States, also known as the "dry" era, began on 19 January 1920 and ended in 1933. It was a period when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol were banned in the country. The Eighteenth Amendment, which was ratified in 1919, enabled this ban. However, it did not outlaw the possession or consumption of alcohol.

The movement gained momentum in the late 1820s and was driven by religious groups, particularly the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and social reformers who believed that alcohol abuse was detrimental to physical and psychological health, and led to social issues like domestic violence and child abandonment. The Anti-Saloon League, formed in 1900, coordinated the movement and played a significant role in its success.

The enactment of Prohibition had far-reaching consequences, some of which were unintended. It led to the emergence of black markets and organised crime syndicates dedicated to distributing alcohol. Bootlegging, speakeasies, and illegal distilling operations became common. Corruption in law enforcement also increased as criminal organisations bribed officials. The economy suffered due to job losses in the alcohol industry and a decline in tax revenues, which were previously boosted by excise taxes on liquor sales.

The overall effects of Prohibition on American society are disputed and challenging to ascertain. Some argue that alcohol consumption decreased significantly during this period, while others claim that Prohibition did not achieve its goal of reducing alcohol consumption in the long term. People found loopholes in the law or turned to illegal methods to obtain alcohol.

Prohibition was eventually repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933, primarily due to its limited effectiveness, negative economic impact, and the onset of the Great Depression, which created a need for new sources of government revenue. Despite the repeal, the legacy of Prohibition lives on, with many US states and local areas still having laws regulating or prohibiting the sale of alcohol.

Alcohol advertising bans

The focus of this response, however, is on alcohol advertising bans. Advertising bans are often proposed as a means to address the potential negative influence of alcohol marketing on consumption patterns and public health, particularly among young people. Studies have found that exposure to alcohol advertisements on TV, music videos, and billboards can influence the onset of youth drinking and increase overall consumption. A systematic review of 13 longitudinal studies involving over 38,000 young people found evidence of a link between media exposure, alcohol advertising, and subsequent alcohol use, including heavier drinking among existing drinkers.

In recognition of these potential harms, many countries have implemented regulations governing alcohol marketing and advertising. A study of 24 European countries found that all had at least one regulation covering alcohol marketing and advertising, with a mix of statutory and non-statutory rules. Notably, all European countries, except the UK, have a ban on one or more types of alcohol advertising. The UK relies on self-regulation by the advertising industry, with alcohol advertisements required to adhere to the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP code) overseen by Ofcom. However, critics argue that self-regulation allows advertisers to "bend the rules" and that comprehensive bans or restrictions are more effective and easier to enforce.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends considering a precautionary approach to protect young people from alcohol marketing. The WHO's global alcohol strategy advocates for comprehensive bans or significant restrictions on alcohol advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to prevent youth exposure, reduce alcohol cues for alcohol-dependent persons, and limit industry influence on social norms related to consumption. The success of tobacco advertising bans in reducing smoking rates, as seen in the UK, further supports the potential effectiveness of alcohol advertising bans.

While there are arguments for allowing alcohol advertising, such as the lesser harm associated with alcohol compared to tobacco, the high costs of implementing and enforcing bans, and the potential for self-regulation, the public health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption suggest that alcohol advertising bans merit serious consideration.

Alcohol sale laws on election days in the Philippines

The Philippines enforces a liquor ban on election days to ensure peaceful and orderly polls. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibits the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking of intoxicating liquor during the election period. The ban is implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP), who remind the public of election rules and other prohibited acts.

The liquor ban is in place to prevent alcohol-related violence, arguments, disturbances, or undue influence that could disrupt the peace during the elections. It also aims to curb rampant vote-buying, with banks prohibited from handing over more than a certain amount of cash to customers until after the elections. The AFP and PNP work closely to ensure the security and integrity of the elections, especially in areas with a history of election-related incidents or intense political rivalries.

The liquor ban is generally welcomed by Filipinos, who believe it helps create a calm and informed voting process. However, some businesses may seek exemption from the ban by applying to their local Comelec offices or the Regional Election Director.

Violating the liquor ban can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment of one to six years without probation and a permanent ban from holding public office. The PNP asks for discipline and strict compliance with the ban to avoid any potential commotion during the elections.

The Philippines is not alone in implementing such measures, as some other countries also have laws restricting alcohol sales on election days to maintain order and encourage citizens to vote.

Alcohol sale laws in Muslim-majority countries

Alcohol sale laws vary across Muslim-majority countries. Here is an overview of some of these laws:

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the sale and consumption of alcohol was permitted for three decades following its independence in 1947. However, restrictions were imposed in 1977 by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, just before he was ousted from power. Currently, only non-Muslim minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Zoroastrians are allowed to purchase alcohol with a permit. The monthly quota depends on one's income, typically amounting to about five bottles of liquor or 100 bottles of beer. Only around 60 outlets in a country of 180 million people are licensed to sell alcohol. The ban is officially enforced by the country's Islamic Ideology Council, but it is not strictly monitored.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, locals are prohibited from possessing and consuming alcohol. However, numerous establishments in Kabul, particularly those catering to expatriates, have licenses to sell alcoholic beverages to foreigners. Non-Afghans entering the country are allowed to bring in a limited quantity of alcohol, typically two bottles or liters.

Qatar

In Qatar, alcohol is available for tourists and expatriates with permits.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, alcohol is banned for Muslims due to Islamic faith and Sharia law. However, alcoholic products are easily accessible in supermarkets, specialty shops, and convenience stores. Non-halal restaurants also typically sell alcohol.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are dry countries, with a complete ban on the sale and possession of alcohol for all residents and tourists, except for foreign diplomats.

Yemen

Yemen is described as an extremely religious and dry country. Alcohol is available in some hotels, but it is generally challenging to find.

Oman

In Oman, alcohol is legal for non-Muslim foreigners at licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars. It is also permitted for them to consume alcohol at home with a license. However, public consumption is illegal.

Philippines

In the Philippines, alcohol sales are prohibited on election days and the day before. Foreigners are allowed to purchase alcohol on these days from establishments with permits.

Morocco

In Morocco, alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. It is illegal to drink in public, but alcohol is sold in most major supermarkets.

Turkey

Turkey, a Muslim-majority but secular country, has seen protests against regulations tightening alcohol sales.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Muslim-majority countries vary significantly, with some countries imposing complete bans while others allow sales with certain restrictions. These laws are influenced by religious teachings, cultural norms, and social practices.

Frequently asked questions