Iranians binge despite ban on alcohol
The Economist reports a 72% increase in alcohol sales in the Middle East between 2001 and 2011. This is much larger than the global average of 30% and despite the Islamic culture and even bans in countries like Iran and Pakistan. In fact Islamist parties from Indonesia to Tunisia moot restrictions on alcohol and in some countries the punishment for Muslims caught quaffing are severe: 80 lashes in the case of Iran.
With a per capita alcohol consumption of 1 liter per year, Iran is third after Lebanon and Turkey in the Chart. The rise in alcohol sales in Mulism countries is unlikely to be accounted for by non-Muslims and foreigners alone. The black market for spirits flourishes in Libya, while Iranians are adept at producing home brew. The number of drinkers varies by country, but some put the total at 5% of those identifying themselves as Muslim.
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