Egypt Administrative Court reserves ruling on Ramadan alcohol and nightlife ban

The First Circuit for Rights and Liberties at the Administrative Court of the State Council has reserved a lawsuit for judgment regarding the seasonal ban on alcohol sales and the closure of bars, casinos, and nightclubs during Ramadan and other religious occasions.

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Dr. Hani Sameh against the Prime Minister, the Minister of Tourism, and the Minister of Interior, seeks to annul administrative decisions and inspection campaigns that prohibit Egyptians from consuming alcohol in licensed hotel and tourist facilities. The plaintiff argues that while Law No. 63 of 1979 imposes general restrictions, it specifically exempts licensed tourist establishments, meaning alcohol consumption should be regulated by license rather than seasonal bans.

Furthermore, the lawsuit challenges the distinction made between Egyptians and foreigners regarding alcohol and gambling, arguing that such distinctions cannot be created through administrative instructions if not explicitly stated in law. The plaintiff contends that these recurring seasonal closures disrupt the legal status of tourist facilities, harm the rights of investors and employees, and reduce Cairo’s tourism competitiveness compared to regional hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.