Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

Socialize

United Arab Emirates Beer

By

UAE
Today in 1971, United Arab Emirates gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

United Arab Emirates
uae-color

United Arab Emirates Breweries

United Arab Emirates Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.00%

UAE

  • Full Name: United Arab Emirates
  • Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
  • Government Type: Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates
  • Language: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
  • Religion(s): Muslim (Islam – official) 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%
  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • Population: 5,314,317; 115th
  • Area: 83,600 sq km, 115th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Maine
  • National Food: Ndolé
  • National Symbol: Golden Falcon; Peregrine Falcon, Arabian Horse; Ghaf
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From the UK, December 2, 1971

uae-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 21 [Note: Expatriate non-Muslim residents may request a liquor permit to purchase alcoholic beverages, but it is illegal for such holders to provide drinks to others.]
  • BAC: 0.00%
  • Number of Breweries: 0

uae-money-2

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

uae-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 92%
  • Wine: 3%
  • Spirits: <1%
  • Other: 5%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.34
  • Unrecorded: 0.20
  • Total: 0.54
  • Beer: 0.30

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.34 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Decrease
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 21
  • Sales Restrictions: N//A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N//A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N//A

Patterns of Drinking Score: 2

Prohibition: None

uae-asia

Yemen Beer

By

yemen
Today in 1967, Yemen gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Yemen
yemen-color

Yemen Breweries

Yemen Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

yemen

  • Full Name: Republic of Yemen
  • Location: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
  • Government Type: Republic; multiparty presidential regime
  • Language: Arabic (official)
  • Religion(s): Muslim (Islam – official) including Shaf’i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu
  • Capital: San’a
  • Population: 24,771,809; 47th
  • Area: 527,968 sq km, 50th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming
  • National Food: Saltah
  • National Symbol: Golden Eagle
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: South Yemen gained their independence from the UK, November 30, 1967 / North Yemen gained their independence from the Ottoman Empire, November 1918 / The Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the Marxist-dominated People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen], celebrated as “Unification Day,” May 22, 1990.

yemen-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: Total Ban
  • BAC: 0.08%
  • Number of Breweries: 0

yemen-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

yemen-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: N/A
  • Wine: N/A
  • Spirits: N/A

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.00
  • Unrecorded: 0.02
  • Total: 0.02
  • Beer: 0.00

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: No
  • Minimum Age: Total Ban
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: Total ban on alcohol.

yemen-asia

Lebanon Beer

By

lebanon
Today in 1943, Lebanon gained their Independence from France.

Lebanon
lebanon-color

Lebanon Breweries

Lebanon Brewery Guides

Other Guides

  • CIA World Factbook
  • Official Website
  • U.S. Embassy
  • Wikipedia

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

lebanon

  • Full Name: Lebanese Republic
  • Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
  • Religion(s): Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma’ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Coptic, Protestant), other 1.3% [Note: 17 religious sects recognized]
  • Capital: Beirut
  • Population: 4,140,289; 126th
  • Area: 10,400 sq km, 170th
  • Comparative Area: About 0.7 times the size of Connecticut
  • National Food: Kibbeh; tabbouleh
  • National Symbols: Phoenix; Lebanon Cedar; Baalbek, Byblos
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From a League of Nations mandate under French administration, November 22, 1943

lebanon-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 2

lebanon-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

lebanon-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 21%
  • Wine: 33%
  • Spirits: 46%
  • Other: <1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 1.73
  • Unrecorded: 0.50
  • Total: 2.23
  • Beer: 0.36

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 1.73 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: N/A
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

lebanon-asia

Northern Cyprus Beer

By

northern-cyprus
Today in 1983, Northern Cyprus gained their Independence from Cyprus, though it remains only partially recognized.

Northern Cyprus
north-cyprus-color

Northern Cyprus Breweries

Northern Cyprus Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.05%

northern-cyprus

  • Full Name: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
  • Location: Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
  • Government Type: Republic
  • Language: Turkish (official), English
  • Religion(s): Muslim 98%,Christian 2%
  • Capital: Nicosia (Levkòsia)
  • Population: 294,906; 161st
  • Area: 3,355 sq km, 174th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Rhode Island
  • National Food: Fasolada
  • National Symbol: White Dove
  • Affiliations: None
  • Independence: From Cyprus, November 15, 1983

northern-cyprus-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 17
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

north-cyprus-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bira
  • How to Order a Beer: N/A
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Eis Igian / Stin ijiasas / Jamas / Gia’sou
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

northern-cyprus-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 35%
  • Wine: 32%
  • Spirits: 32%
  • Other: 1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: N/A
  • Unrecorded: N/A
  • Total: N/A
  • Beer: N/A

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: N/A
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: N/A
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 17
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None

no-cyprus-eu

Palestine Beer

By

palestine
Today in 1988, Palestine unilaterally declared their independence.

Palestine
palestine-color

Palestine Breweries

Palestine Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.05%

palestine

  • Full Name: State of Palestine
  • Location: Within Israel, on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
  • Government Type: The Palestinian Authority is an administrative organization established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, following the Oslo Accords in 1994
  • Language: Arabic, Hebrew
  • Religion(s): Sunni Muslim, Jewish, Christian
  • Capital: Gaza City
  • Population: West Bank: 2,514,845, Gaza Strip: 1,604,238
  • Area: 5,641 sq km
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Delaware
  • National Food: Palestinian Cuisine
  • National Symbols: Palestine Sunbird, Olive Tree
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: Unilaterally declared, November 15, 1988, currently recognized by 131 UN nations

palestine-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 16 [Note: Legal in most cities]
  • BAC: 0.05%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

palestine-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ)/ جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

palestine-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: N/A
  • Wine: N/A
  • Spirits: N/A
  • Other: N/A

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: N/A
  • Unrecorded: N/A
  • Total: N/A
  • Beer: N/A

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: N/A
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: N/A
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None

palestine-asia

Turkey Beer

By

turkey
Today in 1923, Turkey gained their Independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey
turkey-color

Turkey Breweries

Turkey Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: Beer and Malt Producers´ Association of Turkey

National Regulatory Agency: General Directorate of Protection and Control (Koruma ve Kontrol Genel Müdürlüğü)

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Labels must include the following information: Name and brand of product; Name and address of producing company; Name and address of importing company; Production batch number and date; Country of origin; Net weight or volume; Ministry of Agriculture production or import license number and date; Special instructions for use, preparation, or storage; Special warnings, if applicable; and Alcohol content as a percentage (if the product contains more than 1.2 percent alcohol).

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.05%

turkey

  • Full Name: Republic of Turkey
  • Location: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
  • Government Type: Republican parliamentary democracy
  • Language: Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages
  • Religion(s): Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)
  • Capital: Ankara
  • Population: 79,749,461; 17th
  • Area: 783,562 sq km, 37th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly larger than Texas
  • National Food: Döner Kebap
  • National Symbols: Gray Wolf; Tulip; star and crescent
  • Affiliations: UN, NATO
  • Independence: From the Ottoman Empire as successor state, October 29, 1918, celebrated as Republic Day

turkey-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18 [Note: The government has been steadily restricting alcohol in Turkey, with proposals to create alcohol-free zones, bars on alcohol sold in new packaging, bans on sports advertising, restricting sales, and making it harder to have alcohol at public events. Alcohol is still readily available and the legal age is rarely enforced in bars or convenience stores.]
  • BAC: 0.05% [Note: zero for commercial transport and public service drivers.]
  • Number of Breweries: 16

turkey-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bira / slang: arpa suyu
  • How to Order a Beer: Beer beer-ah, luht-fen
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Serefe (“to honor”) / Sagliginiza (“to your health”) / şerefe
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

turkey-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 60%
  • Wine: 5%
  • Spirits: 35%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 1.37
  • Unrecorded: 0.50
  • Total: 1.87
  • Beer: 0.24

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 1.4 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: Places, specific events, petrol stations
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Sales promotion

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: None

turkey-asia

Iraq Beer

By

iraq
Today in 1932, Iraq gained their Independence from the League of Nations mandate under British administration.

Iraq
iraq-color

Iraq Breweries

Iraq Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.08%

iraq

  • Full Name: Republic of Iraq
  • Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait
  • Government Type: Parliamentary Democracy
  • Language: Arabic (official), Kurdish (official), Turkmen (a Turkish dialect) and Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic) are official in areas where they constitute a majority of the population), Armenian
  • Religion(s): Muslim (official) 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%
  • Capital: Baghdad
  • Population: 31,129,225; 39th
  • Area: 438,317 sq km, 59th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly more than twice the size of Idaho
  • National Food: Samak masgouf
  • National Symbols: Rose; Golden Eagle
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From the League of Nations mandate under British administration, October 3, 1932 / Note: the Government of Iraq has yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes Republic Day, July 14, 1958

iraq-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18 (Forbidden to Muslims)
  • BAC: 0.08%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

iraq-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة / bîre بیره‌
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek / Dan min yek bire
  • How to Say “Cheers”: في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

iraq-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 67%
  • Wine: <1%
  • Spirits: 33%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.20
  • Unrecorded: 2.21
  • Total: 2.41
  • Beer: 0.07

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.2 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Increase
  • Excise Taxes: Yes
  • Minimum Age: 21
  • Sales Restrictions: Hours, location, specific events, intoxicated persons
  • Advertising Restrictions: No
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: None

iraq-asia

Qatar Beer

By

qatar
Today in 1971, Qatar gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Qatar
qatar-color

Qatar Breweries

Qatar Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: Alcohol and Liquor Licences in Qatar

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Buying Alcohol in Qatar

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.00%

qatar

  • Full Name: State of Qatar
  • Location: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
  • Government Type: Emirate
  • Language: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
  • Religion(s): Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14%
  • Capital: Doha (Ad Dawhah)
  • Population: 1,951,591; 147th
  • Area: 11,586 sq km, 166th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly smaller than Connecticut
  • National Food: Cuisine in Qatar
  • National Symbol: Oryx
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From the UK, September 3, 1971 / National Day, anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne, December 18, 1878

qatar-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes, with heavy restrictions. Alcohol consumption is legal in Qatar, with many restrictions. Luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their adult non-Muslim customers. Foreign nationals may obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar Distribution Company (a subsidiary of Qatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and operates the only liquor stores in the country.
  • Minimum Drinking Age: Subnational
  • BAC: Zero Tolerance
  • Number of Breweries: 0

qatar-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) / جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

qatar-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 5%
  • Wine: 12%
  • Spirits: 82%
  • Other: 1%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.85
  • Unrecorded: 0.40
  • Total: 1.25
  • Beer: 0.04

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.85 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: No
  • Minimum Age: Subnational
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: N/A

Prohibition: Until recently, restaurants on the Pearl-Qatar (a man-made island near Doha) were allowed to serve alcoholic drinks. In December 2011, however, restaurants on the Pearl were told to stop selling alcohol. No explanation was given for the ban. Speculation about the reason includes the government’s desire to project a more pious image in advance of the country’s first election of a royal advisory body and rumors of a financial dispute between the government and the resort’s developers.

qatar-asia

Bahrain Beer

By

bahrain
Today in 1971, Bahrain gained their Independence from the United Kingdom.

Bahrain
bahrain-color

Bahrain Breweries

Bahrain Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: BAC 0.00%

bahrain

  • Full Name: Kingdom of Bahrain
  • Location: Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
  • Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
  • Language: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu
  • Religion(s): Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8%
  • Capital: Manama (Al Manãmah)
  • Population: 1,248,348; 157th
  • Area: 760 sq km, 188th
  • Comparative Area: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
  • National Food: Machboos
  • National Symbol: White-cheeked Bulbul
  • Affiliations: UN, Arab League
  • Independence: From the UK, August 15, 1971

bahrain-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 18
  • BAC: Zero Tolerance
  • Number of Breweries: 0

bahrain-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: beereh (biræ) جعة / شراب من الشعير / جعة / المزر شراب نوع من الجعة / بيرة
  • How to Order a Beer: Waheed beera, meen fadleek
  • How to Say “Cheers”: Bismilah / Fi schettak or Fisehatak (“to your health”) / في صحتك
  • Toasting Etiquette: N/A

bahrain-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: 52%
  • Wine: 14%
  • Spirits: 34%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 3.56
  • Unrecorded: 0.10
  • Total: 3.66
  • Beer: 1.91

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 3.56 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: N/A
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Sales Restrictions: N/A
  • Advertising Restrictions: N/A
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: N/A

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: Yes

bahrain-asia

Pakistan Beer

By

pakistan
Today in 1947, Pakistan gained their Independence from British India.

Pakistan
pakistan-color

Pakistan Breweries

Pakistan Brewery Guides

Other Guides

Guild: None Known

National Regulatory Agency: None

Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements: Not Known

Drunk Driving Laws: Falls under Drink and Drugs, S. No 14. No Set limit. 8 Penalty Points.

pakistan

  • Full Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
  • Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north
  • Government Type: Federal Republic
  • Language: Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Saraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
  • Religion(s): Muslim (official) 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 5%
  • Capital: Islamabad
  • Population: 190,291,129; 6th
  • Area: 796,095 sq km, 36th
  • Comparative Area: Slightly less than twice the size of California
  • National Food: Biryani, Nihari
  • National Symbols: Markhor (national animal), Chukar (national bird); Jasminum officinale (“Poet’s Jasmine”); Mango (Summer fruit) and Guava (Winter fruit); Deodar (Cedrus Deodara); Minar-e-Pakistan (Tower of Pakistan); Star and crescent; and the Indus River (Sindh) (unofficial)
  • Affiliations: UN, Commonwealth
  • Independence: From British India, August 14, 1947

pakistan-coa

  • Alcohol Legal: Yes
  • Minimum Drinking Age: 21 (Illegal for Muslims)
  • BAC: 0.00%
  • Number of Breweries: 1

pakistan-money

  • How to Say “Beer”: bir sharab
  • How to Order a Beer: ikk bir sharab, khush karna
  • How to Say “Cheers”: jai jaikar
  • Toasting Etiquette: There are no toasts in Pakistan

pakistan-map

Alcohol Consumption By Type:

  • Beer: <1%
  • Wine: <1%
  • Spirits: <1%
  • Other: 100%

Alcohol Consumption Per Capita (in litres):

  • Recorded: 0.01
  • Unrecorded: 0.05
  • Total: 0.06
  • Beer: 0.00

WHO Alcohol Data:

  • Per Capita Consumption: 0.01 litres
  • Alcohol Consumption Trend: Stable
  • Excise Taxes: No
  • Minimum Age: 21 (Illegal for Muslims)
  • Sales Restrictions: Yes
  • Advertising Restrictions: Yes
  • Sponsorship/Promotional Restrictions: Yes

Patterns of Drinking Score: 3

Prohibition: Pakistan allowed the free sale and consumption of alcohol for three decades from 1947, but restrictions were introduced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto just weeks before he was removed as prime minister in 1977. Since then, only members of non-Muslim minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians are allowed to apply for permits for alcohol. The monthly quota depends on their income but is usually about five bottles of liquor or 100 bottles of beer. In a country of 180 million, only about 60 outlets are allowed to sell alcohol. Enforced by the country’s Islamic Ideology Council, the ban is strictly policed. However, members of religious minorities often sell their liquor permits to Muslims and a black market trade in alcohol continues.

pakistan-asia