Authorities shut down alcohol outlets in Baghdad’s Karrada area

BAGHDAD — Rusafa Police Commander Shaalan Ali said that Baghdad’s Bataween area has become secure following recent campaigns targeting wanted individuals and residency violators, adding that further public service improvements are still needed in the area.

“The Bataween area has been fully cleared of residency violators, and a dedicated unit has been stationed there,” Ali told 964media.

He said that anti-drug, residency enforcement, and organized crime units have been established in the area, which had faced various legal violations.

On liquor store closures, Ali said that Karrada is now free of alcohol shops and unlicensed clubs, following orders issued by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The directive came after residents submitted complaints and met with the prime minister.

“All unlicensed venues and liquor stores have been shut down in accordance with the orders,” Ali said. “This has contributed to a reduction in crime rates, according to Ministry of Interior statistics.”

Four licensed venues remain open in Baghdad where alcohol consumption is legally permitted. These include Al-Sayid Club and Al-Yarmouk Club in Karkh, and Al-Hindiya and Al-Alawiya Clubs in Rusafa. Ali confirmed that these clubs have not been affected by the closures.

The closures com amid continued enforcement of a 2016 law that bans the import, production and sale of alcoholic beverages in federal Iraq. The legislation has been criticized by minority communities, including Christians and Yazidis, who have long been involved in the liquor trade.

The ban does not apply in the Kurdistan Region.