The end of alcohol in Egypt

[DJKeefy]

The Egyptian government has banned all new alcohol licenses in new cities in a move that has many in the country fearful that the Islamist push in the North African country is reaching new levels.

Senior Vice President of the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), Nabil Abbas, issued on Sunday a decision to ban new licenses and renewal for stores that sell alcoholic beverages in new cities.

Abbas said that the NUCA has the right to terminate any activity that disturbs society in new cities.

He compared liquor stores to mechanic and plumbing workshops saying they both represent an annoyance to the public.

Abbas had sent a letter to the new cities heads stating that once the operating licenses of the already existing liquor stores end, they are expected to change their trade in accordance with the requirements for developing the city.

He stressed that this decision was immediately supported by city councils.

It was not immediately clear which areas exactly would be affected, but comes after numerous reports last year saw marked rise in alcohol consumption in Egypt and across the Middle East, despite the rise in ultra-conservative Islamist movements. It also comes after repeated promises by President Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood said they would not ban alcohol in the country, at least not in tourist areas.

For Cairo shop owner Nabil, who sells alcohol and wine to customers, he feels that this could threaten business and said that now is not the time to be limiting owners’ ability to earn a living.

“We should not be doing this right now. The economy is bad and people still buy beer and wine so if this is part of something that will be bigger, it is really dangerous for the country,” he told Bikyanews.com.

For him and others, alcohol purchases have remained a steady part of their business and he believes that any push based on religious feelings should be put to a nationwide vote before any actions are taken.

“We should have Egyptians decide and not just government officials, especially at this time,” he added.

Across the Islamic world, The Economist magazine said, consumption is on the rise, with an increase of some 72 percent between 2001 and 2011.

Surprisingly, the Islamic world’s increase in boozing has been as the rest of the world has only grown in its alcohol consumption by some 30 percent.

The magazine, in its report on the new figures, said that the “rise [in alcohol-sales in the Middle East] is unlikely to be accounted for by non-Muslims and foreigners alone.”

Muslims are just as likely to partake in drinking as their non-Muslim counterparts. Granted, there are some Muslims who maintain abstinence to drinking, but the magazine and others believe Muslims have had a direct role in the rise of alcohol.

Although a taboo in many Muslim countries, more so in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Pakistan where it is legally banned, drinking is still commonplace.

Last year, Egyptian Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour has decided that prohibitions on the serving of alcoholic beverages to Egyptian citizens would be applied on all major Islamic holidays and not just during the fasting month of Ramadan, has sparked a new sense of fear that the conservative Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohamed Morsi would attempt to curtail personal freedoms during holidays.

The ban will now be applied to four other days of the year; the Islamic New Year, the holiday commemorating the Israa and Me’rag, Prophet Mohamed’s birthday and the day of Arafa.

Holidays aside, it could be becoming more difficult to drink in what is becoming an ever conservative country.

Source: http://bikyanews.com/85266/the-end-of-alcohol-in-egypt/

[gd47]

IF that should ever happen, then I will resort to fisticuffs in order to secure a seat on the first flight out of here. Not Egyptair, as they don't serve alcohol!

[Dusak]

It wouldn't bother me personally as I lost the taste for the Egyptian gnats pee three years ago, however if they banned the cig's that would turn me to drink...oh, there wouldn't be any would there...ahh well, just another nail in the tourist coffin for those that like a drink on holl's. Just had a thought ST may not be interested in coming here then if this where to happen.

[hatusu]

I think I would seriously consider living somewhere else if there was an alcohol ban. I dont drink a lot but it is one of the pleasures of life for me - a glass of wine with a good meal, a cold, cold Stella in the heat of the summer. My sister moved from living in Saudi Arabia to Dubai because of the alcohol ban. If people like us would consider moving home because of this ban how much more people are likely to consider alternative holiday destinations.

[LivinginLuxor]

As is probably quite well known on this forum, I often visit drinking establishments on the West Bank - not so many on the East, but in all of those, I see Egyptians drinking, sometimes to excess. Any ban would result in an underground operation, such as occurred in the US doing prohibition. And as around 10% of the population's religion has no stricture against drinking in moderation, I would think that such an overall ban is unrealistic.

Even the Quran is unclear on the matter - see Sura 16.65-67 as opposed to Sura 2.219.

[dsaxelby]

Always bring my own (Vodka) the stuff they sell here is like lighter fuel. In sharm could not tell the difference between the Brandy and Vodka

We plan on having 4 bottles this trip just prey its enough (saying that I think I will add another to my case) Just to be sure.

[BENNU]

If this was the beginning of the end of alcohol,
It would be so nice and peaceful down here...

[Bombay]

Always bring my own (Vodka) the stuff they sell here is like lighter fuel. In sharm could not tell the difference between the Brandy and Vodka

We plan on having 4 bottles this trip just prey its enough (saying that I think I will add another to my case) Just to be sure.

You can buy at the Airport Duty free at the exit you can only bring in 1 litre into the country they will take the other off you!

[Bombay]

Last year, Egyptian Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour has decided that prohibitions on the serving of alcoholic beverages to Egyptian citizens would be applied on all major Islamic holidays and not just during the fasting month of Ramadan, has sparked a new sense of fear that the conservative Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohamed Morsi would attempt to curtail personal freedoms during holidays.

The ban will now be applied to four other days of the year; the Islamic New Year, the holiday commemorating the Israa and Me’rag, Prophet Mohamed’s birthday and the day of Arafa.



Source: http://bikyanews.com/85266/the-end-of-alcohol-in-egypt/

The prohibitions on these days have always been a part of an alcohol license so I think this is either scaremongering or just misinformation.
R

[dsaxelby]

You can buy at the Airport Duty free at the exit you can only bring in 1 litre into the country they will take the other off you!

[/quote]


Thought it was 4 litres turns out that is wine lol.... Hey ho never been stopped but as this site is read I will comply

[Bombay]

I understand there have been a concerted effort recently to find alcohol, the old Duty Free behind the Emilio is closed and the new one near KFC is not open yet so only the airport or Karnak.
R

[Hafiz]

The major message in the report seems to be “new licenses and renewal for stores that sell alcoholic beverages in new cities.”

Bloomberg take the view that it applies (only?) to new satellite cities.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-1 ... areas.html

This take (applying only to new areas) makes sense when you look at the job title of the chap quoted in the first article – “Senior Vice President of the New Urban Communities Authority”

Aswat Masriya, which is not five star, is also running the new satellite cities line.

http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.as ... b636cf1684

Can’t find this story on Reuters, BBC or al-Ahram which is strange.

On the information available, and unless Luxor is becoming or building a satellite city, there seems no evidence for concern

[Yildez]

When I came through Luxor airport on December 15th, 2012, I was told and sold 4 litres of spirits which were entered in my passport. Has the allowance changed since then?

[HEPZIBAH]

I understand there have been a concerted effort recently to find alcohol, the old Duty Free behind the Emilio is closed and the new one near KFC is not open yet so only the airport or Karnak.
R

I heard on Tuesday that the new Duty Free Shop near KFC is now open (happened sometime in the last few days). I can't state this as fact as I didn't go to look for myself.

[HEPZIBAH]

When I came through Luxor airport on December 15th, 2012, I was told and sold 4 litres of spirits which were entered in my passport. Has the allowance changed since then?

You are only allowed to take into Egypt 1L of Duty Free Spirits - if bought in the airport of departure.

You can buy up to 3L of Duty Free Spirits (or 4 depending on which DF shop you go to apparently) within your first 48hours of arrival in Egypt from either the airport or town DF shops. Your passport will be marked with the amount of that allowance you have used. So, if for example you only bought 1L of Spirit at the arrival airport you may still buy 2L more at an 'in town' DF shop.

[Billy_whiz]

The new Duty Free shop near KFC didn't appear to be stocked or open when we drove past this evening and when I arrived at the airport yesterday the man in the DF shop there said Karnak was the only one open now

[HEPZIBAH]

The new Duty Free shop near KFC didn't appear to be stocked or open when we drove past this evening and when I arrived at the airport yesterday the man in the DF shop there said Karnak was the only one open now

Interesting! I did say to my friends on Tuesday that I didn't think the one near the KFC had opened yet but they were insistant it was.

The one at Karnak was open but although there was something all the shelves the choice was very limited. Also, it closes early so not easy for most of the UK flight passengers to get to on day of arrival.

[Chocolate Eclair]

All this is down to the new found Democracy and freedom of Speach

[A-Four]

The new Duty Free shop near KFC didn't appear to be stocked or open when we drove past this evening and when I arrived at the airport yesterday the man in the DF shop there said Karnak was the only one open now

Yes, and do remember the joint closes at 5p.m, God bless them,............ .

[A-Four]

The regular tourists who are coming out here over the next two months will notice that a number of the usual old watering holes have closed, and I am informed that others are soon to follow, though restaurants with drinks license are safe,.........................................................................................for now .