Closure of Alcohol Stores in Damascus Sparks Widespread Controversy
Followers point out that the decision represents a blatant violation of economic freedoms and the rights of business owners. Analysts believe that government actions reflect harsh policies lacking the
March 28, 2025, 5:20 pm

Closure of Alcohol Stores in Damascus Sparks Widespread Controversy

دمشق \ تعبيرية

Journalistic sources reported that authorities affiliated with the transitional government in Damascus issued a decision to close most of the alcohol stores in the Bab Sharqi area of Damascus. Observers view this decision as a violation of economic freedoms.

Sources indicated that the campaign included the annual closure of stores dealing with alcoholic beverages. It was also reported that some stores had been subject to the "alcohol tax" for more than seventy years. The sources emphasized that these actions reflect a form of terror and pressure on store owners, while experts argue that the decision will have severe economic consequences.

The sources noted that the campaign followed the closure of stores by the governorate, with many observing that this constitutes an abuse of power. Reports also pointed out that the decision contradicts previous promises to support traders and that such practices undermine any prospects for economic development.

The decision has sparked diverse reactions on social media platforms. Yazan Qattan commented, stating that "Damascus is the city of knowledge and scholars and should not become a city of drunkenness and debauchery." Meanwhile, Roni Alsh remarked that many actions contradict the "ideology and mindset of the ruling organization," suggesting that the measures appear harsh and illogical.

Majid Massal added a detailed comment in German on the issue of alcohol sales licenses, stressing the importance of legal permits for stores. Maryam Fakhruddin considered the decision to be an abuse of power, questioning how economic freedoms should be dealt with.

Observers conclude by confirming that these comments reflect public dissatisfaction with the arbitrary decisions of the transitional authorities.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”