Iraq has begun enforcing a 2016 ban on alcoholic beverages, which was not implemented until now.
The ban prohibits the sale of imported alcoholic drinks and domestically manufactured versions, Reuters reports.
Border crossings and airport authorities have been ordered to confiscate any alcoholic drinks in the possession of travelers.
- Despite the ban, liquor stores around Baghdad and some provinces remain open for business.
- Some Iraqis fear that Islamic religious parties are threatening social freedoms.
- Some see the ban as running against the democratic constitution, which has been challenged in federal court.
- Iraq's stance on alcohol has been relatively liberal compared to neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
