Zanzibar bans the sale of alcohol in non-tourist areas during Ramadan  

ZANZIBAR: THE government of Zanzibar has prohibited the sale of alcohol in all areas of the Isles that don’t involve tourists during the holy month of Ramadan, the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments, Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa, announced today, March 11, 2026.

The Minister said the relevant regulatory boards, in collaboration with the government’s special departments, are conducting special operations in various areas to ensure that the directive is fully observed by both citizens and business operators.

He emphasized that under the law, even if a trader has been issued a permit or license to sell alcohol, it remains prohibited to sell it from the first day of Ramadan, except in a few designated tourist hotels that have been granted special permission.

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He also called on members of the public to cooperate with government authorities by reporting any violations of the directive so that appropriate legal action can be taken against offenders.

According to the minister, the operations are intended to ensure that society continues to uphold morals, respect and social harmony during the holy month of Ramadan.