In Morocco, Debate Over Ban On Sale of Alcohol To Muslims

AFP reported yesterday on the efforts in Morocco to repeal laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to Muslims. The ban, imposed by royal decree in 1967, is largely ignored in the country and the wine industry is an increasingly important part of the country's economy. Bayt Al Hikma, or House of Wisdom, an organization pressing for democratic values, argues that the law that limits sale of alcohol to foreigners violates the constitutional rights of Moroccans. However the Islamist Justice and Development Party strongly backs the ban.