Buying Beer In Marrakech: What You Need To Know

Morocco is an Islamic country, and as such, alcohol consumption goes against Islamic law. This means that alcohol is not readily available in Marrakech, and the majority of the local population doesn't drink. However, it is not illegal, and it is possible to buy and consume alcohol in certain places. In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations surrounding alcohol in Marrakech and provide an overview of where you can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in the city.

Alcohol is available in licensed luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs

Alcohol is available in Marrakech, but it's important to remember that Morocco is a religiously Islamic country, and as such, drinking alcohol goes against Islamic law. This means that alcohol plays a very small part in the lives of most Moroccans, and you will rarely see it consumed by locals. As a tourist, you should be mindful of this and avoid drinking in public or being drunk in the street, especially during Ramadan.

That being said, alcohol is available in licensed luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs in Marrakech. These establishments usually have licenses to serve alcohol specifically to tourists.

In the city's modern district of Gueliz, you will find a wider range of options, including specialty liquor stores and wine shops. Some notable wine shops include Nicolas and Atelier de Vin, where you can find a selection of local and international wines with the help of knowledgeable staff.

If you're looking for a drink with a view, head to the rooftop bars at La Salama or La Pergola, or try the Kosybar on the Place des Ferblantiers in the southern Medina. For a lively atmosphere, Kabana serves strong drinks and hosts DJ events. For a quieter night, Le Trou au Mur is a beautiful boutique hotel with a bar in the heart of the Medina.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol, you can find a wide range of beverages at the Victoria Drink Store, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Beers are also available at the Carrefour and Champion supermarkets near Jemaa El Fna, and at the Atacadao Hypermarket on the Fez Road.

So, while alcohol is available in Marrakech, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and laws when consuming it.

Supermarkets like Carrefour and Acima have alcohol sections, but the selection may be limited

While it is possible to buy alcohol in Marrakech, it is important to remember that Morocco is a religiously Islamic country, and alcohol consumption goes against Islamic law. As a result, alcohol is not a prominent part of daily life in Morocco, and it is illegal to consume alcohol in public. Therefore, it is best to be mindful and respectful of the local culture and customs when purchasing and consuming alcohol.

With that in mind, if you are looking for a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, supermarkets like Carrefour and Acima do have alcohol sections. However, the selection may be limited. These supermarkets are conveniently located within walking distance of Jemaa El Fna, just outside the walls of the Old City (Medina). Additionally, there are a couple of licensed liquor stores and two specialist wine merchants in the Newtown (Gueliz) district.

Carrefour is a well-known French supermarket chain, and its stores in Marrakech offer a range of alcoholic beverages. However, it is worth noting that alcohol sections in supermarkets may have shorter opening hours within the store's overall trading times. So, it is advisable to check the opening hours before heading out.

Acima is another supermarket option for purchasing alcohol in Marrakech. While Acima used to sell alcohol, the royal holding company SNI took over the chain, and alcohol sales were stopped a few years ago. Nevertheless, some sources still suggest Acima as a potential option for buying alcohol in the city. It may be worth checking with the store or locals for the most up-to-date information.

If you are looking for a broader selection of alcoholic beverages, specialty liquor stores and wine shops in the city, particularly in the Gueliz district, may be a better option. These stores tend to have a wider range of options and knowledgeable staff who can assist you in finding the perfect drink.

You can find specialist liquor stores and wine shops in Gueliz, Marrakech's modern district

As a religiously Islamic country, Morocco's restaurants with a license to serve alcohol are few and far between. Alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco, and it is illegal to consume alcohol in public. It is, however, possible to buy alcohol in Marrakech from specialist liquor stores and large supermarkets.

You won't find any liquor stores in the medina or 'old town', so if that's where you're staying, stock up at the airport on your way to Morocco. Otherwise, you may have to take a taxi to visit a shop selling alcohol on the outskirts of the medina.

If you're looking for specialist liquor stores and wine shops, head to Gueliz, Marrakech's modern district. Here, you'll find a wider range of shops offering alcohol than in traditional neighbourhoods. There are a number of local shops where you can get your drinks, notably on Avenue Mohammed V and in the Marche Central.

There are also a couple of strategically placed shops just outside the walls of the Old City. There are Carrefour and Champion supermarkets with an array of beers, wines and spirits within walking distance of Jemaa El Fna. Within a short taxi ride of the Medina, you will find two big Carrefours with well-stocked alcohol sections – one in the new Menara Mall complex on Avenue Mohammed VI and the other at the Al Mazar Mall near the Agdal Gardens.

In Gueliz, there are also a couple of exclusive wine shops that have opened in recent years, including Nicolas and L'Atelier du Vin. Their staff are very knowledgeable and will be able to advise you on buying Moroccan wine.

Alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco, so it's more expensive than in other countries

Alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco, making it more expensive than in other countries. Compared to European countries, alcohol is quite expensive in Morocco. A 25 cl domestic beer costs €2.50 to €3.50 ($2.90 to $4), while a 33 cl beer costs €4 to €6 ($4.65 to $7). You will pay even more in bars and restaurants, so it is advisable to buy alcohol from supermarkets or liquor stores if you want cheaper prices.

In Marrakech, alcoholic drinks can be found in licensed luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Some supermarkets, such as Carrefour and Acima, also have alcohol sections, but the selection may be limited. For a wider range of options, specialty liquor stores or wine shops in the city, particularly in the modern district of Gueliz, are recommended.

Although alcohol is available in Morocco, it is important to note that drinking alcohol is forbidden by Islam, and as most of the country's population is Muslim, it is not perceived positively. Alcohol is considered an intoxicant and, in the Quran, intoxicants are seen as the work of Satan. Therefore, drinking alcohol is haram or forbidden for Muslims. There is also a law that forbids Muslim Moroccans from purchasing alcohol, so you will not see many locals consuming it.

Additionally, drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Morocco. Most licensed bars do not have windows, and only a small number of bars serve alcohol outdoors. It is recommended to avoid drinking anywhere other than licensed establishments and to refrain from being drunk in public, as it may be deemed offensive to the local people, who mostly follow strict Islamic non-drinking principles.

The local beer is called Casablanca and is a pale lager

Morocco is an Islamic country, and as such, alcohol is not a common feature of daily life for most Moroccans. Alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco, and it is illegal to consume alcohol in public. However, it is possible to buy alcohol in Marrakech, and it is produced in the country.

The local beer in Morocco is called Casablanca, a pale lager served mostly in bottles, although it can sometimes be found on tap. It is a popular and tasty beer. Other Moroccan beers include Flag Speciale, a cheaper alternative to Casablanca, and Stork, a lighter lager.

Casablanca beer can be found in the Carrefour and Champion supermarkets, which are within walking distance of Jemaa El Fna. These supermarkets offer a range of beers, wines, and spirits. There are also a couple of specialist wine shops in the new town district, including Nicolas and the Atelier de Vin, where staff can advise on purchasing Moroccan wine.

Alcohol can also be purchased from bars and restaurants in Marrakech. The Gueliz district is home to many bars and restaurants serving alcohol, including Dar Dar and Kabana. Alcohol is also served in the old town, at restaurants such as Le Marrakchi in the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and La Salama, which offers happy hour drinks.

So, while alcohol may not be as readily available in Marrakech as in some other places, it can certainly be found and enjoyed.

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