Is alcohol sold in Sharia-ruled Saudi Arabia, and can you obtain a liquor license? Liquor consumption is only permitted for...
Saudi Arabia Liquor: Saudi Arabia, one of the most hardline Islamic nations in the world, which is ruled under the stringent Sharia law, has recently softened its extreme stance in certain matters, such as women rights, entertainment, music, among other. However, the consumption of alcohol is still a criminal act in the desert kingdom and can invite severe punishment from authorities. Is alcohol sold in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia had imposed a blanket ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol within its borders in 1952 after King Abdul Aziz's son got drunk at a party and shot and killed a British diplomat. However, the ban was lifted in 2024, following which the sale of alcohol was resumed in capital Riyadh after nearly 70 years. Who can sell and consume liquor in Saudi Arabia?
After the ban was removed, a state-owned liquor store was opened, which only serves a select group of non-Muslim immigrants and diplomats. The customers are prohibited from carrying mobile phones or any other recording devices inside the store, and the purchases are made through a dedicated mobile app.
Additionally, there is also a cap on how much liquor a single customer can purchase at the store. There are no public liquor stores in Saudi Arabia. Can you get a liquor license in Saudi Arabia?
Currently, Saudi Arabia does not offer licenses to operate liquor stores in the country, however, a report by Metro News claims that the kingdom will implement licensing laws in 2026, allowing alcohol consumption. The report also claimed that the Saudi Arabian government has started the sale of alcohol at about 600 tourist places across the country.
Thus, there are no public liquor shops in Saudi Arabia as the country does not offer licenses for the same. Why liquor is banned in Saudi Arabia?
The sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia under Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits the consumption of liquor and other intoxicants and deems it is as a great sin. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca and Medina, arguably two of the holiest cities in Islam, thus mandating strict prohibition on liquor consumption. What is the punishment for liquor consumption in Saudi?
As mentioned above, Saudi Arabia has strict laws prohibiting the sale and consumption of liquor, and alcohol-related crimes could invite punitive measures like flogging, imprisonment, heavy fines or deportation for foreigners.
The privilege is granted only to a few non-Muslim diplomats, while foreign tourists, who are not Muslims, are allowed to carry and drink liquor at certain places.
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