List of countries with alcohol prohibition

Alcohol prohibition refers to the legal act of prohibiting the manufacture, storage, transportation, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. Throughout history, various countries have implemented alcohol prohibition for religious, cultural, or health reasons. This article provides an overview of countries that have enforced alcohol prohibition at some point in time, focusing on those with current restrictions.

Countries with Current Alcohol Prohibition

Several countries, primarily due to religious reasons, have current laws prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol. These countries are mostly in the Middle East and North Africa, where Islam is the predominant religion, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol are illegal for its citizens. However, non-Muslims are allowed to import alcohol for personal consumption in limited quantities.

Brunei

Brunei enforces a strict prohibition on the sale and public consumption of alcohol. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol into the country, but they must declare it upon arrival and consume it in private.

Iran

Iran has a complete ban on alcohol following the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The ban applies to the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, with severe penalties for violations.

Kuwait

In Kuwait, alcohol is completely banned, and possession or consumption can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation for foreigners.

Libya

Libya has a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol that has been in place since 1969. The ban covers the production, importation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia enforces a strict prohibition on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol. The ban is in accordance with Wahhabi Islam, and violations can result in severe penalties.

Somalia

In Somalia, the sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol are illegal. The ban is enforced throughout the country, including in areas governed by different authorities.

Sudan

Sudan prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol among Muslims, which constitutes the majority of its population. Non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol in private.

Yemen

Yemen has laws in place that prohibit the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol. The ban is strictly enforced, with penalties for violations.

Countries with Historical Alcohol Prohibition

Several countries have experimented with alcohol prohibition in the past but have since repealed these laws. Notable examples include:

United States

The United States implemented nationwide alcohol prohibition from 1920 to 1933, known as the Prohibition Era. The ban was lifted with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment.

Finland

Finland enforced alcohol prohibition from 1919 to 1932. The ban was repealed due to widespread smuggling and the realization that prohibition was unenforceable.

Russia

The Russian Empire implemented a temporary alcohol prohibition during World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1925. The Soviet government later relaxed these restrictions.

See Also

• Prohibition
• Temperance movement
• Alcohol law