Hundreds of Syrians rallied in Damascus to protest a new decree restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol, voicing concerns that the country’s Islamist-led government may be undermining long-standing secular freedoms. Demonstrators gathered in the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma, chanting for unity and calling on authorities to protect personal liberties and religious minorities. Security forces surrounded the protest, which remained peaceful.

The controversy began after the governor of Damascus ordered a ban on serving alcoholic beverages in restaurants and nightclubs, requiring businesses to remove alcohol from their menus and in some cases change their operating licenses. While alcohol sales would still be permitted in three predominantly Christian neighborhoods, strict conditions would apply, including distance requirements from mosques, schools, and government buildings.

Critics argue the decree unfairly singles out Christian areas and risks deepening sectarian tensions at a fragile moment for the country. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has pledged to respect pluralism, but hard-line supporters have pressed for more conservative policies. Authorities later issued a statement apologizing for any misunderstanding and clarified that hotels would be exempt from the restrictions.