Syria alcohol tax hikes cause discontent in Kurdish regions

New regulations and heavy taxes imposed by the Islamist authorities in Damascus are causing economic discontent in northeast Syria. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, the central government has moved to integrate Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the state. As part of this consolidation, Damascus took control of the Semalka border crossing with Iraq in April.

While alcohol is not officially prohibited, the Ministry of Finance has implemented significant tax increases on alcoholic beverages. Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh stated the measures aim to “limit the consumption of products that are damaging to health” and generate revenue for social security and health programs.

In Kurdish-majority areas like Qamishli, residents report that the cost of imported alcohol has risen sharply, with some prices increasing from $7 to $12 for a half-liter of whisky. Local merchants note that restricted imports have led to a reliance on more expensive smuggled goods and empty shelves, as local alternatives remain unpopular.