Syrian authorities have announced a ban on alcohol in bars and restaurants in Damascus, reflecting a harsher era of alcohol legislation. 

The new decree issued by the Damascus governorate requires nightclubs and bars to be converted to café licences and restricts the sale of alcohol, except in select Christian neighbourhoods. 

The government has granted bar owners three months to comply with the rules, leading to the potential closure of many establishments. 

Officials have said that the new laws will be “eliminating practices that violate public morals.” However, critics have said the rules infringe on civil liberties and will cause segregation between Christian and Muslim communities. 

The changes follow other recent but inverse developments elsewhere in the Middle East. Late last year, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on alcohol for some non-Muslim buyers above a certain income bracket. 

Coming after a 73-year ban on alcohol, the new rules in Saudi Arabia state that foreign residents can purchase beer, wine and spirits at a liquor store located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. 

To be eligible, an expat must either hold a Premium Residency permit or show that they earn at least 50,000 riyals per month.