Syrians Rally Against Alcohol Ban in Damascus

0:00On March 23, hundreds of Syrians from different religious groups rallied peacefully in Damascus over the weekend against new restrictions on alcohol. The protests centered on a recent decree from the city governor that bans serving drinks in restaurants and nightclubs, forcing those spots to switch, to cafe licenses within three months. This move comes amid pressure on interim President Ahmed Al-Sharah and his Islamist-led government to adopt stricter social rules. While Al-Sharah has promised to protect diversity, hard miners are pushing back against the more open ways of the past under Bashar al-Assad. Protesters voiced fears that the changes could deepen divides in the diverse capital, especially after sectarian violence that has killed many from. Minority groups like al-awaits and Jews over the past year. They stressed unity under the Syrian flag and personal freedoms long enjoyed there. The decree carves out exceptions for three mainly Christian neighborhoods, allowing sealed bottle sales for takeaway only, at least 75, meters from mosques or schools and 20 meters

1:06from police stations. Officials later apologized to Christians for any confusion and confirmed hotels remain unaffected. With Syria still healing from over a decade of war, these debates underscore the tricky balance between community demands and preserving the cosmopolitan spirit of Damascus. Watch your update from Global News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.