Prohibition

:This article is about the prohibition of alcoholic beverages; separate articles on the prohibition of drugs in general and writs of prohibition are also available.

Muslim-majority countries

Saudi Arabia completely bans the production, importation or consumption of alcohol and imposes strict penalties on those violating the ban, as does Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates restricts alcohol consumption to non-Muslim foreigners who have UAE residence permits and who have an Interior Ministry liquor license. Sudan has banned alcohol consumption, while Iran also restricts alcohol consumption, with harsh penalties for violations of the law. Non-Muslims may bring into Brunei small quantities of alcohol for personal consumption. Alcohol was banned in Afghanistan during rule by the Taliban.

Related Topics:
Saudi Arabia - Kuwait - United Arab Emirates - Muslim - Sudan - Iran - Brunei - Afghanistan - Taliban

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Pakistan allowed the free sale and consumption of alcohol for three decades from 1947, but restrictions were introduced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto just weeks before he was removed as prime minister in 1977. Since then, only members of non-Muslim minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians are allowed to apply for permits for alcohol. The monthly quota depends on their income but is usually about five bottles of liquor or 100 bottles of beer. In a country of 140 million, only about 60 outlets are allowed to sell alcohol and the country's only legal brewery, Murree Brewery in Rawalpindi, is not allowed to export. Enforced by the country's Islamic Ideology Council, the ban is strictly policed. However, members of religious minorities often sell their liquor permits to Muslims and a black market trade in alcohol continues. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/03/10/1047144915849.html?from=moreStories

Related Topics:
Pakistan - 1947 - Zulfikar Ali Bhutto - 1977 - Hindus - Christians - Zoroastrians - Rawalpindi

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Bangladesh has also imposed prohibition, though some hotels and restaurants are licensed to sell alcohol to foreigners. Foreigners (but not locals) are allowed to import small quantities of alcohol for personal use.

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Alcohol is banned in the Maldives, except in tourist resorts for non-Muslim foreigners. Alcohol may not be imported. Foreigners arriving with alcohol can declare it to customs, receive a receipt and collect it on departure.

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