Syrian authorities have issued a decree prohibiting the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants across Damascus, which is interpreted as a sign of an increasingly conservative approach under the current regime. This decision comes 15 months after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, marking a potential shift back to traditional values and religious conservatism in the region.

The decree mandates the conversion of operating licenses for bars and clubs into café licenses, effectively limiting the sale of alcohol to take-out only, and primarily in areas that are predominantly Christian. This move illustrates the regime's attempts to impose stricter regulations that align with conservative cultural and religious norms, indicating a significant shift in the social fabric of the country.

Observers are concerned that this decision may further isolate Syria from more liberal influences and harm the already struggling tourism and hospitality sectors. It raises questions about the balance between governance and social freedoms within the context of post-conflict recovery, as well as the potential for civil unrest amid rising discontent in the population regarding restrictions on personal freedoms.