Alcohol law
Alcohol laws are laws relating to manufacture, use, as being under the influence of and sale of alcohol or alcoholic beverages. Common alcoholic beverages include beer, wine, cider, and distilled spirits. Definition of alcoholic beverage varies internationally, e.g., the United States defines an alcoholic beverage as "any beverage in liquid form which contains not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol by volume". Alcohol laws can restrict those who can produce alcohol, those who can buy it, when one can buy it, labelling and advertising, the types of alcoholic beverage that can be sold, where one can consume it, what activities are prohibited while intoxicated, and where one can buy it. In some cases, laws have even prohibited the use and sale of alcohol entirely.
Temperance movement
The temperance movement is a social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Participants in the movement typically criticize alcohol intoxication or promote complete abstinence, with leaders emphasizing alcohol's negative effects on health, personality, and family life. Typically the movement promotes alcohol education, as well as demands new laws against the selling of alcoholic drinks, or those regulating the availability of alcohol, or those completely prohibiting it. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Temperance Movement became prominent in many countries, particularly English-speaking and Scandinavian ones, and it led to Prohibition in the United States from 1920 to 1933.Alcohol laws by country
- Australia
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Turkey
- United States
Alcohol licensing laws by country
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
Prohibition
Canada
Canada imposed prohibition at the beginning of the 20th century, but repealed it in the 1920s.India
In India, manufacture, sale or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur and Nagaland, as well as the union territory of Lakshadweep. Prohibition has become controversial in Gujarat, following a July 2009 incident in which widespread poisoning resulted from alcohol that had been sold illegally.All Indian states observe dry days on major religious festivals/occasions depending on the popularity of the festival in that region. Dry days are specific days when the sale of alcohol is banned, although consumption is permitted. Dry days are also observed on voting days. Dry days are fixed by the respective state government. National holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi are usually dry days throughout India.
Nordic countries
Two Nordic countries had a period of alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century.In Sweden, prohibition was heavily discussed, but never introduced, replaced by strict rationing and later by more lax regulation, which included allowing alcohol to be sold on Saturdays.
Following the end of prohibition, government alcohol monopolies were established with detailed restrictions and high taxes. Some of these restrictions have since been lifted. For example, supermarkets in Finland were allowed to sell only fermented beverages with an alcohol content up to 4.7% ABV, but Alko, the government monopoly, is allowed to sell wine and spirits.
The alcohol law in Finland was changed in 2018, allowing grocery stores to sell beverages with an alcohol content up to 5.5% ABV. The law was again changed in 2024 to allow fermented beverages up to 8% ABV to be sold in grocery stores.
This is also the case with the Norwegian Vinmonopolet and the Swedish Systembolaget
Philippines
Under the Omnibus Election Code, the Commission on Elections can impose a prohibition on the sale and purchasing of alcoholic and intoxicating drinks on the election day and the day before. Certain establishments catering to foreigners can obtain an exemption.United States
In the United States, there was an attempt from 1919 to 1933 to eliminate the drinking of alcoholic beverages by means of a national prohibition of their manufacture and sale. This period became known as the Prohibition era. During this time, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal throughout the United States.Prohibition led to the unintended consequence of causing widespread disrespect for the law, as many people procured alcoholic beverages from illegal sources. In this way, a lucrative business was created for illegal producers and sellers of alcohol, which led to the development of organized crime. As a result, Prohibition became extremely unpopular, which ultimately led to the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933 via the adoption of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.
Prior to national Prohibition, beginning in the late 19th century, many states and localities had enacted Prohibition within their jurisdictions. After the repeal of the 18th Amendment, some localities continue to ban the sale of alcohol, but often not possession or consumption.
Between 1832 and 1953, US federal law prohibited the sale of alcohol to Native Americans. The federal legislation was repealed in 1953, and within a few years, most tribes passed their own prohibition laws. As of 2007, 63% of the federally recognized tribes in the lower 48 states had legalized alcohol sales on their reservations.
Majority-Muslim countries
Some majority-Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, etc. prohibit the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages either entirely or for its Muslim citizens because they are considered haram in Islam. Alcohol was illegal in Sudan but, it was legalized for non-Muslims in July 2020. Other Muslim countries have it either illegal in certain parts or by non-Muslims.Afghanistan
Alcohol is completely illegal in Afghanistan. Alcohol, especially wine, was popular for thousands of years in region currently known as Afghanistan. The Taliban banned alcohol during its rule from 1996 to 2001 as well as after the Afghan government collapsed in 2021. Prior to the collapse of the Afghan government, alcohol licenses were given to journalists and tourists and bringing up to 2 liters was legal. There does however remain a large black market for alcohol in Afghanistan, especially in Kabul and Herat.Algeria
What is now known as Algeria has been known for its wine for thousands of years. In Algeria, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public. Alcohol can be drunk in restaurants, bars and hotels.Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, alcohol is illegal for Muslims. It is legal for non-Muslims to drink with a permit. It is only legal for Muslims "under medical circumstances" with a doctor's permit.In 2022, the laws were revised to allow hotels, restaurants, and outlets that serve food as well as display and sell alcohol to apply for liquor sale licenses. Those over 21 can apply for a drinking permit, while Muslims must get a prescription from a doctor with at least an associate professor rank.
Egypt
Ancient Egypt was widely known for its beer. In Egypt, drinking alcohol is illegal in public as well as shops and sales are banned for Muslims during Ramadan. Alcohol is legal in bars, hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Minister of Tourism.Indonesia
with the exception of Aceh.Iran
Prior to the establishment of the Islamic republic, alcohol was accessible in Iran. Ancient Persia was known for its wine and it was even common for Saffarid and Samanid rulers. After the Iranian revolution in 1979, alcohol became completely illegal for Muslims, however there is a major black market and underground scene for alcohol. A popular moonshine is Aragh sagi, distilled from raisins. Smuggling alcohol into Iran is highly illegal and is punishable by death. The only legal alcohol in Iran is home production for recognized non-Muslim minorities such as Armenians, Assyrians, and Zoroastrians. The Jewish community in Iran is also allowed to produce and drink its own wine for the Sabbath.Iraq
, now known as Iraq is a region that is one of the oldest producers of beer. Buying alcohol is especially prevalent in larger cities by shops owned by Christians, especially in Baghdad. Parts ruled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant completely banned alcohol, with a death penalty being enforced for alcohol consumption. In 2016, the Iraqi parliament passed a law banning alcohol, with a fine of 25,000,000 IQD.As of March 2025, alcohol is still sold in Baghdad.