Baghdad authorities intensify crackdown on alcohol vendors

BAGHDAD — On Sunday, Baghdad Operations Command shut down six unlicensed alcohol shops in the Al-Jamia neighborhood on the city’s western side, citing violations of tourism authority regulations.

In an statement, the command detailed that security forces from the 2nd Federal Police Division, in collaboration with a unit from Tourism Security, executed the closures as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and enforce compliance with legal standards.

This operation follows a series of similar actions in recent weeks aimed at enforcing a 2016 law that prohibits the import, production, and sale of alcoholic beverages in Iraq. Although the law was enacted years ago, its enforcement has intensified recently, leading to the closure of numerous establishments across Baghdad.

The crackdown has sparked concern among minority communities, particularly Christians and Yazidis, who traditionally own many of these businesses. They argue that the enforcement measures disproportionately impact their livelihoods and infringe upon their constitutional rights to practice their customs.

Despite the closures, alcohol remains accessible in certain areas, such as the autonomous Kurdistan Region and through discreet delivery services operating within the capital. However, the increased enforcement has driven much of the trade underground.

The enforcement of the alcohol ban has also led to the closure of several private social clubs in Baghdad, some of which have operated for decades. In November, these clubs received official letters prohibiting the manufacture and serving of alcoholic beverages, warning that legal action would follow any violations. This has resulted in deserted venues and significant economic losses for owners, many of whom are considering relocating to the Kurdistan region or abroad.