14 countries where alcohol is prohibited

In many countries with a Muslim population, the use of alcohol is completely prohibited throughout the territory / Below we have listed a list of countries with the most stringent anti-alcohol laws.

14. Yemen

Alcohol is completely banned in Yemen, according to the principles of Islam. Yemenis are not allowed to consume and sell alcohol in all parts of the country with the exception of Aden and Sana'a, where the drink is sold in certain permitted restaurants, hotels and nightclubs.

Non-Muslim foreigners are allowed to bring limited amounts of alcohol into the country and only drink at home.

13. United Arab Emirates (in Sharjah)

In the United Arab Emirates, alcohol is allowed to be sold under very strict regulations, with the exception of Sharjah, where it is completely banned. In Sharjah, only those who have a government alcohol license (usually non-Muslims) are allowed to carry alcohol.

In addition, such valid licensees may only consume alcohol at home. Consuming, buying, or any other form of drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited and offenders are subject to imprisonment, flogging or other forms of punishment. In other parts of the UAE, alcohol is allowed to be sold in restaurants, hotels, or other places where the seller has a valid license to sell alcohol.

Drinking alcohol is allowed for non-Muslims, but only in their private homes or in the hotels and bars they visit. No other form of alcohol consumption is permitted. Foreign tourists are allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol into the country for personal use.

12. Sudan

In Sudan, a war-torn country in northeast Africa, alcohol is strictly prohibited. The Islamic state has banned the production, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country since 1983. The alcohol bans bill passed by the Sudanese Union Socialist Party is mandated by that country.

However, this prohibition applies primarily to Muslims, non-Muslims can drink alcohol in their private chambers. But tourists are always advised to abide by and respect local rules and customs in Sudan, including laws on alcohol consumption, so as not to get into any unpleasant situation.

11. Somalia

The laws of this Islamic country located in the Horn of Africa are very strict when it comes to implementing laws related to alcohol. Here, alcohol production, trade and consumption are completely prohibited.

Although non-Muslims and foreigners are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages, they must do so in their personal space. Those who disrespect Islamic law face severe punishment.

10. Saudi Arabia

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, home to the main place for all pilgrims of Islam, Mecca, is completely banned from alcohol. It is illegal to manufacture, import, sell and consume. There is a strict baggage check at the airport to prevent alcohol from entering the country.

Those caught selling or drinking alcohol in public places face punishment, such as long prison sentences or flogging. Foreigners are also advised to be extremely careful about this delicate issue and refrain from alcoholic beverages when visiting Saudi Arabia.

9. Pakistan

In Pakistan, alcohol has been allowed for three decades since the country's independence. However, during the reign of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a ban was introduced, and after his removal from office in 1977, the ban continued to exist.

Currently, while Muslims are not allowed to manufacture, sell and consume alcoholic beverages within the country, non-Muslim minorities are allowed to apply for alcohol permits.

Permits are often granted for economic growth. Typically, 5 bottles of liquor and 100 bottles of beer is a monthly allowance for non-Muslims in the country.

8. Mauritania

In the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in western North Africa, the possession, consumption, sale and production of alcohol is prohibited for Muslim residents.

However, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol in their homes or in hotels and restaurants that have valid alcohol sales permits.

7. Maldives

The Maldives, located in the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is a popular tourist center, known all over the world for its beaches and exotic resorts, where alcohol is prohibited for the local population.

Only in resorts and in some hotels and restaurants, it is allowed to sell alcohol to visitors with special passes.

6. Libya

Tourists visiting Libya are advised to respect local customs and regulations. The laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol are quite strict here. The sale and consumption of alcohol is completely prohibited.

Those who disrespect the law and publicly sell or consume alcohol are severely punished. However, it is said that alcohol can be easily obtained by illegal means.

5. Kuwait

In Kuwait, the sale, consumption and storage of alcohol is prohibited by law. The country has a policy of intolerance against those who get drunk behind the wheel. If even a small amount of alcohol is found in the driver's blood, the offender will be severely punished.

Drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited, violation of the ban may lead to imprisonment of local residents or deportation of foreigners.

4.Iran

In Iran, drinking alcohol is prohibited for Muslim citizens. However, the law is not so strict on non-Muslims who are allowed to produce and consume alcohol under certain conditions. Non-Muslims are allowed to bring alcohol when entering the country.

3. India (in some states)

In India, the rules and regulations related to the sale, storage and consumption of alcohol are a matter of government. In states such as Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland and, more recently, Bihar, the sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

In Manipur and Lakshadweep, alcohol is prohibited locally, in certain areas. Kerala also has some restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol. There is no alcohol ban in other states in India.

In some places, dry days are held during some festivals, and the whole country also celebrates dry days during elections or any national holidays, for example, Gandhi Jayanti (birthday of Mahatma Gandhi).

2. Brunei

In Brunei, a sovereign state in Southeast Asia, the consumption of alcohol in public places, as well as the sale of alcohol, is prohibited. However, non-Muslim adults may carry two bottles of liquor and twelve cans of beer per person upon entering the country.

They must definitely say that they are carrying alcohol at the customs at the airport. Drinking alcohol is only allowed at home.

1. Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the consumption and sale of alcohol is prohibited. However, non-Muslims living in the country or visiting the country are not subject to such restrictions, but only if they consume alcohol in their personal space.

Certain restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and bars, especially those working with tourists, are allowed to sell alcohol.