Syrians Protest Alcohol Ban, Fearing Sectarian Strife

0:00On March 22nd, hundreds of people rallied peacefully in Damascus on Sunday against a new band on alcohol sales in restaurants and nightclubs. The protests have placed in a Christian neighborhood, drawing residents from different religious groups who called for protecting personal freedoms. The restriction came from a decree by the Damascus governor last week, giving establishments just three months to remove alcohol from their menus and switch licenses to cafes. People said it responded to community requests, as the interim government faces calls from conservatives to enforce stricter values. Serians enjoyed relative social openness under the old regime, despite its harsh rule, with nightlife and drinking common even among secular Muslims. Now, over a year after the regime change, minorities worry these moves could spark more sectarian strife, following attacks on groups like Aloites, and Druze. The band spares three Christian areas for seal take away sales only, but vendors must

1:00stay at least 75 meters from mosques and schools, and 20 meters from police stations. Authorities quickly apologize to Christians for any confusion and confirm hotels remain unaffected. With serious still healing from years of war and dictatorship, the debates underscore the tricky path to unity amid diverse traditions.