Previously, authorities had decided that establishments in the capital Damascus serving alcoholic beverages would be closed – which led to protests.
About ten restaurants and bars offering serving of alcohol were closed on Thursday evening, citing the lack of necessary permits – and over 200 establishments were threatened with closure. Most of them are located in Damascus' old town and in quarters where many Christians live.
The ban came simultaneously as the Muslim population honors the fasting period of Ramadan.
We respect the Muslim majority's stance, but we want our identity and our space to be preserved, said Ziad Isaacs, who works in the Bab Tuma neighborhood.
However, on Friday, a decree was issued allowing the serving of alcoholic beverages in the affected quarters again, according to the Syrian media company Enab Baladi. The decision was made after a meeting with the Damascus governor and restaurant owners.
