Around the world, alcohol is consumed as a beverage alongside meals or within social situations, at pubs, celebrations, and even within the comforts of home.
However, as widespread as its consumption might be, alcohol is not legal in many countries. This is often due to a combination of factors, including public health policies, government regulations, and religious laws that forbid its use.
Religiously, alcohol is considered haram (not permissible) in the Islamic faith, making it a contentious substance in most Muslim-majority countries. While many nations with significant Muslim populations restrict or heavily regulate alcohol, outright bans are more common in the Middle East and North Africa.
Beyond religious factors, public health considerations play a huge role in alcohol bans and restrictions. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health and societal issues, including liver diseases, addiction, domestic violence, and road accidents.
Below are the African countries where alcohol is illegal:
| Rank | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Libya |
Illegal |
|
2 |
Mauritania |
Illegal |
|
3 |
Somalia |
Illegal |
|
4 |
Sudan |
Illegal |
Governments in countries like South Africa have used these concerns to justify temporary bans on alcohol sales. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa implemented alcohol restrictions to reduce hospital admissions from alcohol-related incidents, sparking debates about the balance between public health priorities and individual freedoms.
However, these bans come with significant repercussions. They frequently push alcohol consumption into the shadows, fueling an underground economy. The economic implications of alcohol illegality in Africa are particularly intricate.
By outlawing alcohol, governments forgo substantial tax revenues that could be collected from regulated sales. In regions where alcohol is heavily taxed or outright banned, black markets flourish.
