In a significant move that underscores Iraq's shifting stance on alcohol, the government has officially banned its sale in social clubs and hotels. The decision marks a turning point in the country's long-standing debate over alcohol policies, effectively ending public access to alcoholic beverages in legal venues.

The new regulation imposes fines ranging from 10 million to 25 million Iraqi dinars (approximately $7,700 to $19,000) for violations. This development comes after years of gradual restrictions on the alcohol trade, despite certain regions, such as the Kurdistan Region and parts of Baghdad, allowing limited sales in non-Muslim-run stores and select high-end establishments.

The roots of this policy can be traced back to a 2016 parliamentary law that banned the production, importation, and sale of alcohol nationwide. Although shelved initially, enforcement of the law has intensified in recent years. The latest ban has impacted several prominent institutions, including Baghdad's Al-Alwiyah Club and the Iraqi Hunting Club, both of which have ceased serving alcohol following instructions from the prime minister’s office.

Yonadam Kanna, a Christian politician, criticized the decision as a harmful measure that marginalizes Iraq’s minorities and risks damaging the country’s tourism and diplomatic sectors. “This decision will hurt non-Muslim communities, leading to job losses and alienation,” Kanna warned.

Social researcher Mohsen al-Ali expressed concerns about unintended consequences, cautioning that the ban could drive alcohol sales underground, exacerbating social instability. “Pushing the alcohol trade into private spaces might worsen the situation rather than resolve it,” he explained.

This policy shift raises broader questions about the balance between cultural values, minority rights, and Iraq’s economic and social landscape, as the country continues to navigate its complex identity in a changing world.