Syria’s Government Faces Backlash Over Alcohol Ban

Concerns are rising among some Syrians regarding President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration, which appears to be favoring a more conservative interpretation of Islam, potentially curtailing civilian rights and freedoms.

In a recent move, local authorities in Damascus prohibited restaurants and bars from selling alcohol in most parts of the city. The only exceptions are venues located in Christian-majority neighborhoods, where alcohol can be sold only for takeaway. This decision led to small protests around the capital, necessitating the intervention of security forces.

According to Robert Ford, a former U.S. ambassador to Syria, “What you’re witnessing is pressure from distinct sectors of Syrian society, including some clerics and hardline Islamists who envision an Islamist society.” He noted that Syria’s interim constitution draws upon Islamic law.

Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs, Hind Kabawat, who is Christian and the sole woman in al-Sharaa’s cabinet, rejected the notion that alcohol consumption should be restricted to Christian areas. In a Facebook post, she asserted, “Our neighborhood is not a place to drink; it is the heart of Damascus.” She emphasized that diversity is a source of strength and cautioned against allowing radical voices to undermine the nation.

In light of the protests, Damascus officials lifted the ban, allowing alcohol sales in tourism-related establishments like hotels and select restaurants. This change is significant for many Syrians who have enjoyed access to alcohol in bars and eateries, even during the oppressive rule of former leader Bashar al-Assad.

Mara Karlin, a former Pentagon official, expressed concern over these restrictions, remarking that if such measures were to occur outside of Damascus, the central government might claim insufficient control. “It’s particularly notable to see these actions in Damascus, where President al-Sharaa maintains authority,” she added. Karlin also questioned how far al-Sharaa might push his Islamist agenda.

Since assuming power, al-Sharaa—who previously led the Islamic rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—has been actively engaging with foreign nations to reintegrate Syria into the international arena. Notably, President Trump endorsed al-Sharaa, and the two met several times, marking a historic series of discussions between a Syrian leader and an American president.

Karlin, speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged that while the Syrian government includes former jihadists, it generally operates in a pragmatic manner. However, she warned that government control outside of Damascus is weak, and issues like increased restrictions on women’s freedoms merit careful observation.

Additionally, local authorities have targeted other aspects of daily life. In February, a ban on makeup for women at work was implemented in Latakia, and another town near Damascus prohibited men from working in women’s clothing stores, claiming this was necessary for public order.

Ford noted that while some of these local measures are troubling, they fall under domestic issues. It remains for Syrians to determine how much of a role religion will play in their country’s future after Assad.

Some worry that the alcohol ban could negatively impact Syria’s fragile recovery following years of conflict, especially given al-Sharaa’s efforts to revitalize the tourism sector. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding Syria will cost approximately $216 billion after nearly 14 years of civil war, while the tourism minister has indicated that at least $100 million is needed in the next seven years to restore the industry.