Syrian authorities have reversed a closure decision affecting bars and restaurants in Christian areas of Damascus following public outcry. Initial closures were cited as due to licensing issues for alcohol service, impacting local businesses during peak festive times. The immediate reopening is a response to concerns about community identity and economic security.
The Syrian authorities have revoked a prior decision to close bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Christian-majority areas of Damascus. This reversal follow public backlash and was reported by local witnesses and news outlets. After Islamist-led rebels displaced President Bashar al-Assad in December, assurances had been made to safeguard the rights of minority groups in the country.
On Thursday, around a dozen establishments in Damascus’s Old City were shut down due to lacking proper licenses for alcohol service, leading to social media outcry. According to Syrian news outlet Enab Baladi, an official directive had been issued for the closure of several restaurants in Christian neighborhoods for not complying with licensing requirements. This initiative could potentially impact approximately 250 restaurants, especially during the ongoing Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Later, Enab Baladi reported that a decree was issued to allow the immediate reopening of the previously closed establishments. Bar owner George from Bab Sharqi described how joint police and municipal operations had started shutting down non-licensed venues, emphasizing that the campaign escalated on Thursday. He labeled these actions as detrimental to the district’s character and lamented the impact on hundreds of families reliant on these venues for income.
Jenny Wheibe, a 28-year-old waitress in an Old City restaurant, criticized the closures as “unjustified”, highlighting that they occurred during peak periods leading up to Easter and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Ziad Isaac, a 39-year-old shopkeeper from Bab Tuma, expressed respect for the Muslim majority, yet emphasized the importance of preserving their community’s identity and space.
The decision by Syrian authorities to reopen bars and restaurants serving alcohol in Christian areas underscores the tension between preserving cultural identity and adhering to majority religious sentiments. The swift public reaction led to the reversal of closures, highlighting the significance of community livelihoods and the need for balanced governance in multi-ethnic societies. Ensuring the rights and identities of minority groups remains a crucial consideration in post-conflict Syria.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
