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10 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal

Published

10 months ago

November 29, 2024

In some countries, drinking alcohol is completely banned, often because of Islamic beliefs that see it as against their teachings.

In other places, strict laws control how alcohol is made, sold, and consumed, with harsh penalties for breaking the rules.

These restrictions usually apply to both locals and visitors, though non-Muslims or tourists might have some exceptions in certain cases.

It’s important to understand and follow these laws, as they are deeply rooted in local customs and strictly enforced.

Here are ten countries where alcohol is illegal;

Yemen

In Yemen, alcohol is entirely off-limits because it’s seen as contrary to Islamic principles. Citizens aren’t allowed to consume or sell alcohol anywhere in the country, except in specific spots like restaurants, hotels, or nightclubs in Aden and Sana’a, where it’s permitted under strict rules. Non-Muslim foreigners can bring a small amount of alcohol into the country for personal use, but only for private consumption.

United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates, alcohol is completely banned. Non-Muslims with special government-issued licenses can possess alcohol but are only allowed to consume it at home.

Public consumption or drunken behaviour is strictly prohibited, with serious consequences like imprisonment or flogging. In other emirates, alcohol is allowed in licensed venues like hotels or bars, but public intoxication is not tolerated. Foreign visitors can bring small amounts for personal use but should stay mindful of the rules.

Sudan

In Sudan, alcohol has been illegal since 1983 when the Liquor Prohibition Bill was passed. This law mainly applies to Muslims, while non-Muslims may drink privately at home. Tourists are encouraged to respect Sudan’s customs and laws, especially concerning alcohol, to avoid complications.

Somalia

In Somalia, alcohol is a complete no-go. The production, sale, and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden in line with Islamic principles. Non-Muslims and foreign visitors can drink privately, but breaking these laws can lead to serious penalties.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, alcohol is banned outright. It’s illegal to produce, sell, or consume alcohol, and customs officials perform thorough checks to prevent it from entering the country. Violators, including foreigners, face harsh penalties like imprisonment, flogging, or deportation. Visitors are strongly encouraged to steer clear of alcohol during their stay.

Pakistan

Pakistan has prohibited alcohol since 1977, but non-Muslim minorities can apply for permits to purchase limited quantities. These permits typically allow up to five bottles of liquor or 100 bottles of beer monthly. For Muslims, any involvement with alcohol is strictly forbidden, and violations can result in fines or imprisonment.

Mauritania

In Mauritania, Muslim residents are forbidden from possessing, consuming, selling, or producing alcohol. Non-Muslims, however, may drink in private or in licensed hotels and restaurants. Visitors are encouraged to respect these laws to avoid any issues.

Maldives

In the Maldives, alcohol is banned for the local Muslim population. Tourists, however, can enjoy alcoholic drinks at licensed resorts and hotels. Importing alcohol into the country is not allowed, and any alcohol found during checks will be confiscated. It’s important for visitors to follow these rules to ensure a smooth experience.

Libya

In Libya, alcohol is completely prohibited. The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned, and violations can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment. While illegal alcohol is reportedly available in some areas.

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Israel-Palestine Conflict: Nigeria, 141 Countries Endorse Two-State Solution

Published

7 minutes ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Nigeria on Friday joined 141 other countries to endorse New York Declaration on two-State solution between Israel and Palestine at the UN headquarters in New York.

Applause rang out in the UN General Assembly Hall as countries endorsed the declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution with Israel.

The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organised by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month.

The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document.

Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries: Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States, while 12 nations abstained.

Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration “lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution”.

This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign.

The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalisation between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

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I Won’t Allow His Movement To Die, Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows

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52 minutes ago

September 13, 2025

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Erika Kirk, widow of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has vowed to continue her husband’s work after US authorities confirmed the arrest of his alleged assassin.

A grieving Erika, in a live video on Friday, paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as “the perfect father…the perfect husband.”

“The evil-doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done.

“The movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen,” she added.

Tribune Online reports that the suspected killer of Kirk has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that a suspect had been arrested after a massive manhunt.

“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump told Fox News in a live studio interview.

“The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal who was fantastic.

“They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”

He added: “We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”

Kirk, 31, who was known for rallying youth support for Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday during an appearance at a Utah university.

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California Lawmakers Approve Ban On Face Masks For Authorities

Published

1 hour ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

California lawmakers in the United States have approved a bill that would prevent most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on duty.

According to ABC News, the measure follows a series of immigration raids in Los Angeles.

This is the first bill of its kind to pass a state legislature, though similar proposals have been introduced in Congress and in states such as Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The California Legislature, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill on Thursday as part of a broader response to immigration enforcement actions.

If signed into law, the bill would prohibit local and federal officers, including immigration agents, from using neck gaiters, ski masks and other facial coverings while carrying out official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, protective medical masks and tactical gear.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has about a month to decide whether to sign it. He has criticised the use of masks by federal agents but in July questioned whether the state has the authority to regulate them. His office said Friday it does not usually comment on pending bills.

According to supporters, the legislation is needed, especially after the Supreme Court this week allowed the federal government to continue large-scale immigration operations in Los Angeles.

Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, vice chair of the Latino caucus, said the ruling is “effectively allowing federal agents stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job.”

“How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he said before the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.”

Backers also cited constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California, Berkeley, who argued that federal employees must still follow state laws unless doing so prevents them from performing their duties. “ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets,” he wrote in an opinion piece for the Sacramento Bee.

Republicans and law enforcement groups strongly opposed the bill, saying it puts officers at risk.

“Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” said Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto on Thursday.

The use of masks by immigration agents has deepened the divide between those who oppose Trump-era enforcement policies and those who support them.

Trump administration officials defended the practice, saying agents have faced growing harassment in public and online. They argue covering their faces helps protect officers and their families. Democrats and several state attorneys general counter that the masks cause public fear and should be banned.