Buying Beer In Casablanca: Grocery Store Options

Alcohol is available in Morocco, but it is not a common part of daily life for most Moroccans. The majority of Muslims do not drink, and alcohol is considered haram (prohibited or sinful) in Islam. However, it can be purchased in some places, including bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist resorts. Drinking in public is forbidden, and alcohol is only sold in certain places. In Casablanca, the supermarket chain Carrefour sells alcohol, but the Marjane and Acima supermarket chains have stopped selling it. Alcohol is also available in licensed bars and restaurants, and there are specialist wine merchants in the Newtown district of Marrakech.

Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims during Ramadan and religious holidays

Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims during Ramadan and other religious holidays. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is considered one of the most sacred times for Muslims. During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink, including water. This act of fasting is considered one of the Five Pillards of Islam and is meant to bring about nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with those less fortunate.

In addition to Ramadan, there are two main holidays in Islam that are widely celebrated by Muslims: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for festive meals, gift-giving, and gathering with family and friends. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, during the Hajj pilgrimage, and is a time for Muslims to perform acts of charity and connect with their community.

While there is no explicit information about purchasing beer in grocery stores in Casablanca, Morocco, it appears that alcoholic beverages are available in the country, as evidenced by the presence of Moroccan beer brands such as "Casablanca Premium Beer" and "Casa Beer." However, it is important to note that the consumption of alcohol may be restricted for Muslims during religious periods, such as Ramadan and other Islamic holidays.

Alcohol is rarely consumed by Moroccans and is viewed negatively

Alcohol consumption in Morocco is influenced by a variety of factors, including religion, culture, and legal issues. While the country is predominantly Muslim, and Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol, Morocco's alcohol history is intricate and complicated due to its location at the meeting point of Africa and Europe.

In comparison to many Western nations, alcohol consumption in Morocco is relatively low. This is due to a combination of religious restrictions, cultural norms, and legal regulations. Alcohol is frequently associated with social events, particularly among non-Muslim groups, foreigners, and special holidays and festivals. Moroccan Jews, Christians, and foreign residents may consume alcohol during these celebrations, and it may also be consumed in moderation during traditional occasions such as weddings. However, alcohol consumption in Morocco is generally done in private, and it is considered inappropriate to consume alcohol in public or in front of those who may find it offensive. As a result, licensed bars tend to have no windows, and drinking is allowed only indoors for locals.

The sale and consumption of alcohol in Morocco are restricted to licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. Alcohol is available in most major supermarkets, but it is usually in a separate section or room. Additionally, there are specific laws governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, such as limited operating hours for bars and restaurants, and a ban on the sale of alcohol during certain religious holidays, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Morocco's alcohol market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences, local circumstances, and macroeconomic factors. There is a growing preference for premium and craft alcoholic beverages, as well as an increasing demand for locally produced products. The resurgence in the production and consumption of wine, driven by increasing disposable incomes, changing consumer tastes, and a growing tourism industry, has also contributed to the growth of the alcohol market in Morocco. However, it is important to note that alcohol is still viewed negatively by a significant portion of the population due to religious and cultural reasons.

While some young Moroccans are adopting more liberal views on alcohol consumption due to globalization, urbanization, and exposure to Western cultures, alcohol is still rarely consumed by a large portion of the population. This is especially true for those who follow the religious restrictions of Islam and view alcohol negatively. As a result, alcohol consumption remains a sensitive topic in Morocco, and it is important for tourists and visitors to respect the regional traditions and cultural sensitivity surrounding alcohol.

Drinking in public is forbidden

Alcohol can be purchased in Casablanca, Morocco, from licensed hotels, bars, tourist areas, and larger supermarkets. In supermarkets, alcoholic drinks are usually kept in a separate room from the main supermarket.

Casablanca, Morocco's premium beer, is brewed and bottled in the city using the finest ingredients. It is more expensive than other beers, but it is considered the best beer in Morocco. Other popular beers in the country include Flag Spéciale and Stork, which are distributed by the Société des Brasseries du Maroc, owned by Heineken.

The price of domestic beer in Casablanca is 22 Dirham for a 0.5-litre bottle, which is more expensive than in some other cities, such as Berlin, Valencia, and Budapest.

While drinking alcohol is legal in Morocco, it is important to be mindful of local customs and culture. Alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam, and as most of Morocco's population is Muslim, drinking is generally frowned upon. It is recommended to be discrete and avoid walking around drunk in public.

Alcohol is available in some bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist resorts

If you are staying at a larger hotel in Casablanca, you may find a wider range of alcoholic drinks available. The front desk staff at these hotels can also provide information on where to purchase alcohol and may even be able to get drinks for you if you pay them a small fee. Most mid-to-top-range restaurants in Casablanca also have a license to serve alcohol.

There are also clubs and discos along the Corniche and Ain Diab, as well as in the city centre, where foreigners, including women, can feel safe drinking. However, be aware that both men and women may be approached by local men.

Another option for purchasing alcohol in Casablanca is to visit a supermarket. The Carrefour supermarket chain, found across the city, sells alcohol, while the Marjane and Acima chains have stopped selling it. Alcohol is typically sold in a sectioned-off area of the supermarket. There are also local "Epiceries," which may look like grocery stores from the outside but sell a wide range of alcoholic drinks inside. These stores tend to have higher prices than supermarkets, but they are conveniently located in many neighbourhoods.

When purchasing alcohol in Morocco, it is recommended to buy locally produced drinks as imported alcohol can be expensive. Local beers include Casablanca, which costs around 18 MAD (1.6 euros) per 33 cl bottle, and Flag Speciale, which is slightly cheaper. For wine, try the Moroccan grey wine, produced only in Morocco, or the Domaine Sahari, which costs around 80 MAD (7 euros).

Imported alcohol is expensive in Morocco

Alcohol is available in Morocco in many places like bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist resorts. Drinking in public is forbidden, and alcohol must be consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. Alcohol is also available in most major supermarkets, usually in a separate room from the main supermarket.

If you are looking for wine, Moroccan grey wine is a unique option produced only in Morocco. A bottle typically costs around €7. Domaine Sahari is another good choice and is widely offered in many Moroccan restaurants and bars. It costs around the same as the grey wine. For a more expensive option, Domaine du Val d'Argan sells wine for around €10-20 per bottle.

It is also worth noting that you can legally bring alcohol into Morocco, but there are limits. It is generally accepted that you can bring 1 litre of alcohol, but it is unclear if this refers to pure alcohol or spirits. Therefore, it is recommended to bring no more than 1 bottle of wine or spirits.

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