Alcohol beverages banned Friday on occasion of mid-Shabaan

CAIRO – 12 May 2017: Nightclubs, bars and alcoholic beverages stores will be closed until sunset on Friday due to the religious occasion of mid-month of Shabaan, announced General Director of Tourism and Antiquities Police Major Ashraf Ezz el-Arab.

The venues were shut down early morning on Friday in accordance with the Ministry of Tourism’s decision, and law, which ban opening nightclubs during religious events.
Maj. Arab said that those who violate the decision by selling alcohol or drinking it “will be detained and referred to prosecution.”

Alcohol beverage stores are closed every year for 29-30 days during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins this year after two weeks. They are closed on several other occasions, such as the celebration of Prophet Mohamed’s birth.

The mid-month of Shabaan is a spiritual occasion for Muslims where it is recommended to fast.