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.

List of Countries Where Alcohol is Banned

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.

Table of Content

  • Alcohol Prohibition in Countries
  • List of Countries where Alcohol is banned
  • 1. Afghanistan
  • 2. Saudi Arabia
  • 3. United Arab Emirates
  • 4. Libya
  • 5. Mauritania
  • 6. Kuwait
  • 7. Yemen
  • 8. Somalia
  • 9. Brunei
  • 10. Pakistan
  • 11. Iran
  • 12. Sudan
  • 13. Maldives

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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:...

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...

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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....

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...

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....

FAQ on List of Countries where Alcohol is Banned

Which country has the highest alcohol consumption rate?...