Alcohol in Saudi Arabia

Alcohol in Saudi Arabia is highly regulated and restricted.

History

The sale of alcohol used to be legal in the kingdom before 1952. However, it was totally banned by King Ibn Saud since 1952.

In 2024, the regulation was reversed when it was announced that an alcohol shop will be opened in Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh.[1] However, the store will only be accessible to non-Muslim diplomats who will have to present diplomatic identification to purchase anything.[2] The decision was made to combat the black market and illegal imports of the liquid.[3]

Law

Ordinary people who consume alcohol in the kingdom will be fined and jailed, and foreigners will also be deported.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Baker, Graeme (25 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia to get first alcohol shop in more than 70 years". BBC News. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  2. ^ Roeloffs, Mary Whitfill (24 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia Gets First Liquor Store In 70 Years—Here Are Other Countries With Strict Alcohol Laws". Forbes. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b Syed, Armani (24 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia Breaks Tradition With Its First Liquor Store". TIME. Retrieved 26 January 2024.


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