Syria Bans Alcohol: New Government's Strict Conservative Rules

0:00I'm Corey with the story, bringing you the latest from around the world. Syrian authorities in Damascus have banned alcohol from restaurants and bars. This marks a major push by the Islamist-led government for stricter conservative rules. It comes 15 months after Ahmed al-Sharah, overthrew Bashar al-Assad and ended the 13-year civil war. The decree from the Damascus governorate requires nightclub and bar licenses to switch to cafe licenses. All sales are now limited to sealed bottles for takeaway and only in mostly Christian areas. Outlets must stay at least 75 meters from places of worship or schools and 20 meters from security sites. Owners get three months to comply. One bar owner plans to close up shop entirely. He said customers have dropped off sharply since the new government of power and turning into a dry cafe makes no sense for his business. Many spots had already quit serving drinks openly or poured them in tea glasses to hide them. Sharah has promised to protect rights and freedoms under the rule of law.

1:02But experts question the ban's legality. They say it clashes with Syria's new constitutional declaration, which upholds human rights treaties allowing alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, religious enforcement is tightening during Ramadan. A woman in the Hamar region faced arrest for breaking her fast early, charged with harming public morals. Bakery staff near Damascus got fired by local officials for the same violation. This DNN story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly. Built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com