Casablanca – A new schedule for alcohol consumption in the city of Casablanca has taken place. Bars and restaurants are now strictly under time constraints when it comes to making profits with thirsty consumers.
On July 20th, the authorities of Casablanca announced a new regulation on “business hours” for alcohol-vending establishments. As a result, some industry professionals have expressed their dissatisfaction with the changes inducted by the Wilaya.
HuffPost Maroc contacted Casablanca’s Wilaya to understand the reasons that contributed to this new order. Casablanca’s Wilaya unidentified spokesperson stated:
“We were surprised to read that some professionals (i.e. bartenders, hotel managers etc.) in the alcohol industry have complained about this new decision…the decision was made taking into account all of these professionals, who themselves had requested that there be a better organization of this sector. When the decision was made, we subsequently organized a meeting with them, and they were satisfied with the decision”.
In addition, he said: “The law of 1978 that regulated the trade of alcohol in Casablanca had to be updated. It only fixed the closing hours, but not the opening hours. Furthermore, some drinking establishments such as bars and cabarets must submit a request form for a special permit in order to add an additional hour of selling alcohol. The procedure for obtaining such authorization is long. It could take between two and three months, and permission is not always granted”.
The new law does not prohibit the alcohol industry to open for business and sell other products. Nevertheless, alcohol cannot be sold before 11 a.m. but this does not discourage consumers from buying alcohol later in the day.
The New Law: Operating Hours for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Regular bars 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hotel bars 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Grocery stores and supermarkets 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Restaurants without entertainment 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Restaurants with entertainment can only serve alcohol from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Night clubs are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
