List of Countries where Alcohol is Banned: There are around 14 countries where the consumption of alcohol is completely banned. However, tourism is one major factor that forced the governments of these countries to give restrictive liberty to the visitors in this matter. Alcohol as a beverage has a complex position in human society. Consumption of alcohol is considered part of the culture in some countries while other has mixed outlooks.
This beverage is considered a luxury commodity due to its value yet seems to be consumed by the poor in raw form. Being quite hazardous, every country imposes various kinds of restrictions on its sales and consumption. Many laws are imposed on liquor manufacturers and suppliers so that the distribution and consumption of alcohol can be monitored.
In this article, we will discuss those countries where alcohol is completely banned and its consumption and distribution is a punishable offense. Further, we will discuss whether these countries successfully abolish alcohol completely.
Alcohol Prohibition in Countries
Alcohol prohibition refers to the legal act of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, import, export, sale, and consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. While most countries regulate alcohol through age restrictions, taxes, and licensing laws, a few have taken the more extreme measure of banning alcohol altogether. These prohibitions can stem from various reasons, including religious beliefs, public health considerations, and social norms.
List of Countries where Alcohol is banned
The table provided below shows the 14 countries where alcohol is banned due to Islamic rules majorly:
|
Rank
|
Country
|
|
2
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Afghanistan
|
|
3
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
4
|
United Arab Emirates
|
|
5
|
Libya
|
|
6
|
Mauritania
|
|
7
|
Kuwait
|
|
8
|
Yemen
|
|
9
|
Somalia
|
|
10
|
Brunei
|
|
11
|
Pakistan
|
|
12
|
Iran
|
|
13
|
Sudan
|
|
14
|
Maldives
|
1. Afghanistan
Alcohol has been banned in Afghanistan since 2021, when the government of Afghanistan collapsed. It is a punishable crime to consume Alcohol in this country
Being an Islamic nation, this country strictly follows Islamic rules according to which alcohol consumption is against the Islamic code of conduct. Therefore, any localite found to be consuming or even distributing alcohol is punished according to the Sharia Law.
However, foreigners who visited Afghanistan till 2021, were allowed to enjoy the beverage only in their private places. After 2021, the law has been changed and alcohol is completely prohibited now.
2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the holy place of the Islamic religion is very strict in terms of prohibition of alcohol. Manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and even import of alcohol is illegal in this country.
Being the home of the holy land ‘Mecca’, Saudi Arabia sternly follows Islamic law in their governance. Therefore, if anybody is found to be consuming, manufacturing, or even distributing alcohol, may face harsh punishment. Flogging and even lifetime imprisonment can be opted as a type of punishment for the accused.
Therefore, foreigners are advised to be very careful in this matter in fact better to avoid alcohol while visiting this country. Proper checking and investigation are done while reaching the airport so indirect importation is also very risky.
3. United Arab Emirates
Alcohol is allowed to be sold in the United Arab Emirates except in Sharjah where it is completely banned. Other emirates as strict laws on confining the consumption and distribution of Alcohol.
Only non-muslims who have proper permits by the government can sell alcohol or store alcohol at their places. The restaurants and bars with proper licenses and permits can sell alcoholic items within the confined area allowed by the government. The consumption, sells, and distribution in public places in UAE is strictly prohibited. Anyone if found to violate the law is liable to harsh punishment according to the country’s law.
Usually, the non-muslim localities are the natives and restaurant owners who reach for the license for selling alcohol. Foreigners visiting the country are allowed to carry a very limited amount of alcohol with them and shall only consume in hotels where alcohol is allowed.
4. Libya
Libya has completely banned Alcohol in 1963. Since then, strict laws have been passed in this matter. Anyone found to be consuming or selling alcohol may face harsh punishment.
Being a proud Islamic nation, Libya tries to maintain its traditions and culture originating from Islamic ideology. Therefore, not only the government but also some Islamic communities keep a watch on the enforcement of this prohibition. Recent cases of alcohol poisoning in Libya have raised concern in society. Traditional extremist groups in Libya are expected to be the mastermind in these occurrences.
Although it is very dangerous in Libya to consume alcohol, still it is available in the country through various illegal means and consumed by the youth at nightlights. Parties on farms are enjoyed with various alcoholic beverages.
5. Mauritania
As an Islamic state, Mauritania banned alcohol long ago. Strict prohibition is followed in this nation. Consumption, sale, or production is strictly banned in this country.
Muslim population follows this rule religiously as Islamic law states the consumption of alcohol is a sin. However, non-muslims who are interested in consuming alcohol need special permits and licenses to get access to alcohol.
Foreign visitors are usually advised to avoid alcohol while traveling to Mauritania as it is a legal offense to consume alcohol in public places and even hotels where permits are not granted.
6. Kuwait
The sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol in Kuwait is completely prohibited for both Muslim and non-muslim citizens in the country. The government has a zero-tolerance policy against this prohibition.
Non-muslim visitors aged 21 years and above with proper documents and permits can purchase alcohol but cannot consume it publicly. Visiting Kuwait needs well-awareness of the Kuwait law regarding alcohol to avoid any kind of trouble.
Two types of licenses are provided in Kuwait to non-Muslims but not residents and of the age of 21 years or more. One is a Private license for only foreign diplomats and a commercial license for commercial usage only.
7. Yemen
Yemen has strong laws against alcohol consumption, sale, and possession. As the country follows the Islamic code in its governance, alcohol is considered a taboo in society. Only the city of Aden and Sana has few restaurants where drinking alcohol is allowed.
Alcohol being a matter of taboo, is largely prohibited in the country but still, there is evidence of illegal transactions related to alcohol mostly by the youth. Since Muslim communities organically avoid alcohol, most of the illegal consumption of alcohol is attempted by the non-muslim youth.
However, if any such transaction or event is caught by the authorities, the accused will be liable to harsh punishment. Even visitors to these countries may face the same risk.
8. Somalia
As an Islamic state Somalia has also banned alcohol in the country. Strict laws against alcohol have been imposed by the authorities to establish the prohibition. But it was not the same in the past, during the reign of Said Bairre, Somalian people used to drink alcohol. But after the fall of the existing government of that time, Somalia reformed its law and banned alcohol.
However, the occurrence of illegal transactions of alcohol is still in existence in the country. But there is a huge risk of being caught by the administration and facing harsh punishment.
Though non-muslims and visitors drink alcohol in their private places, drinking in public areas is still considered a violation of Somalian law.
9. Brunei
Brunei is governed by Sharia Law, therefore prohibiting the consumption, sale, and possession of alcohol. Being an Islamic nation, it has established principles and laws to uphold Islamic belief and conservatism in society.
However, non-muslim visitors can bring alcohol in a limited amount with special permits and shall consume privately. Public consumption or sale of alcohol is considered to be a violation of law and can cause liability to punishment.
10. Pakistan
Pakistan is an Islamic dominant country with has Muslim majority. Due to this the social rules and regulations have resulted in the prohibition of Alcohol. Legal transactions of alcohol cannot be seen in the majority of the states.
However, the non-muslim population of this country has access to alcohol but should consume it privately. As the number of non-muslim population is quite less therefore the abolishment of alcohol seems to be successful.
11. Iran
Iran has prohibited Alcohol long back in date. But it has raised some other issues such as the smuggling of liquor and the rise of underground network of liquor mafia.
Also, recent cases of alcohol poisoning have raised the concern of the government toward the well-being of the people. Ban of alcohol has not stopped the population from drinking, rather intensified the growth of the illegal market of alcohol.
12. Sudan
Sudan, a country that is ruled by Sharia law banned alcohol long ago in 1983. Alcohol consumption by the Muslim population is strictly prohibited even in their private places. Illegal consumption of alcohol is very common among the youth population of the country. But this calls for a high risk of being punished by the law.
However recent ruling government has loosened its law for non-Muslims in terms of the consumption of alcohol in their private places. They will need proper permits.
13. Maldives
Maldives is an Islamic state which primarily banned alcohol consumption by the natives. But due to tourism as a main source of income in this nation complete boycott of alcohol is not possible. There for special permits are provided to certain restaurants and hotels where the travel can drink and enjoy
However. selling, consuming, or purchasing alcohol publicly is strictly prohibited. This is applicable to both Muslim and non-muslims in the nation who are residents of Maldives.
Summary – List of Countries where Alcohol is Banned
In this article, we found that many countries have banned the sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol. But more or less, every country has provided certain liberty for foreigners in this matter except Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Ban Alcohol has raised other problems such as the smuggling of alcohol, the rise of the liquor mafia, development of underground networks for alcohol consumption. One of the biggest issues faced by most of these countries is alcohol poisoning by extremist communities and groups which resulted in mass death. But, the consumption of alcohol could not be nullified completely. Hence, every country has some percentage of alcohol consumption.
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FAQ on List of Countries where Alcohol is Banned
Which country has the highest alcohol consumption rate?
Belarus has the highest rate of alcohol consumption even higher than America.
Which country has the strictest law against alcohol consumption?
Saudi Arabia has the strictest law against alcohol consumption. it has banned alcohol more than 70 years ago.
Which country has the highest illegal trade of alcohol?
Africa has the highest illegal trade of alcohol in the world.
Who has the largest alcohol market in the world?
China has the largest alcohol market in the world with a value of approximately 330 billion US dollars.
Which city in India sells most of the alcohol?
Kolkata has the highest sale of alcohol in India. As per latest reports around Rs. 23,000 crore alcohol is sold in previous year.
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