Arabella Franco
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, where tea and coffee have largely replaced beer and wine as the dominant social lubricants. However, alcohol is still consumed, albeit discreetly. While public drunkenness is frowned upon, drinking alcohol in Jordan is generally accepted as long as it is done in moderation. Alcohol can be purchased from liquor stores and bars, pubs, and clubs, but it is illegal to drink on the street. Jordan's largest city, Amman, is known for its eclectic bar scene, ranging from English pubs to upscale hotel bars. The coastal town of Aqaba also has a vibrant party scene, with numerous liquor stores and bars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol consumption | Allowed, but frowned upon by some |
| Alcohol availability | Available in liquor stores, bars, and some restaurants |
| Drinking in public | Illegal and can lead to arrest |
| Drinking laws | Strict, with heavy fines for public intoxication |
| Drinking and driving | Illegal, with strict drink-driving laws |
| Alcohol prices | More expensive than in Western countries |
What You'll Learn
Jordan's drinking laws
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, with over 90% of its population identifying as Muslim. As alcohol is forbidden under Islam, the laws surrounding alcohol consumption in Jordan can be stricter than in other countries.
Drinking alcohol in Jordan is acceptable as long as it is done in moderation and with respect for local customs and people. It is illegal to drink on the street or in other public spaces such as beaches and cafes, and public displays of drunkenness are frowned upon. The best places to drink are bars, hotels, and restaurants. Jordan also has a zero-tolerance drink-driving law, and visitors should always check the drinking limits before getting behind the wheel.
Jordan is considered the most liberal country in the region when it comes to alcohol laws. Alcohol can be purchased in bars and liquor stores by those over the age of 18. However, as most restaurants are Muslim-run, many will not serve alcohol, although some will allow customers to bring their own. Alcohol is also available in most supermarkets and hotel bars and restaurants. In larger cities such as Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba, there are many bars that cater to international visitors and serve a range of alcoholic drinks. Outside of these cities, it is more difficult to find alcohol, except in large international hotels.
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Where to buy alcohol in Jordan
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, so alcohol is harder to come by than in other holiday destinations. However, it is still possible to buy alcohol in Jordan, and there are a few different ways to do so.
Liquor stores
Liquor stores are almost everywhere in Jordan, particularly in the cities of Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba. It is important to note that there are no liquor stores in Petra. These stores sell a range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits. Some liquor stores in Amman even offer delivery services.
Bars and restaurants
Some bars and restaurants in Jordan serve alcohol. The cities of Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba have a number of bars that cater to international visitors and serve a range of alcoholic drinks. Outside of these cities, it may be more difficult to find alcohol in bars, except in large international hotels. Some restaurants will also serve alcohol, but this is more common in larger restaurants.
Supermarkets
Most supermarkets in Jordan sell alcohol.
Hotels
Alcohol is typically available in hotel bars and restaurants. However, some hotels have a ban on alcohol, so it is worth checking before booking.
Vineyards
In recent years, Jordan has begun producing its own wine and has a small number of vineyards. Visitors can arrange a tour and wine-tasting session to sample local wines.
Duty-free
Alcohol can also be purchased at the duty-free shops in Jordan's airports.
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Where to drink alcohol in Jordan
Drinking alcohol in Jordan is a little more complicated than in some other countries. While it is legal to buy and consume alcohol in Jordan, it is a majority Muslim country, with over 90% of its population practising Islam. This means that drinking laws can be stricter than in other places. Public drunkenness is illegal and frowned upon, and drinking in public spaces, including the street, cafes, and public areas of hotels, is also illegal.
If you are looking to drink alcohol in Jordan, it is best to do so in a bar, hotel, or restaurant. The cities of Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba have a number of bars that cater to international visitors, and serve a range of alcoholic drinks. The bar scene in Amman is particularly eclectic, with English pubs, upscale hotel bars, and more.
If you are looking to sample Jordanian alcohol, the local beer is Amstel, which can be purchased in cans or bottles, and is also available on tap in some bars. In recent years, Jordan has also begun producing its own wine, and there are a small number of vineyards offering tours and wine-tasting sessions.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol in Jordan should be done respectfully, and in moderation, as a way to respect the local people and customs.
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Jordan's alcohol prices
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, and alcohol is forbidden under Islam. So, while drinking is accepted as long as it's done in moderation and not in public, finding alcohol can be difficult in smaller towns and villages. Most markets and cafes will not serve alcohol, and public drunkenness is illegal and frowned upon.
The best places to find alcohol are larger restaurants, supermarkets, hotel bars and restaurants, and the numerous liquor stores, particularly in the cities of Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba. The bar scene in Amman is eclectic, ranging from English pubs to upscale hotel bars. The coastal town of Aqaba also has a vibrant party scene with many liquor stores.
The main brand of beer in Jordan is Amstel, which can be purchased in a can or bottle, and is sometimes served on tap in bars. A large glass of Amstel typically costs around 5JD (7.05 USD). Jordanian wine will cost at least $14 a bottle from a liquor store, and a large 500ml beer of around 8% will cost $6. Generic spirits like vodka or rum (750ml) will cost around $15, while branded alcohol like Smirnoff is upwards of $30 a bottle. Alcohol prices in Jordan are generally more expensive than in Western countries.
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Drinking culture in Jordan
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, where tea and coffee have largely replaced beer and wine as the dominant social lubricants. However, alcohol consumption is still common in the country, albeit consumed discretely. Jordan is considered the most liberal country in its region in this respect, and visitors can certainly have a night out drinking.
As alcohol is forbidden under Islam, finding alcohol can be difficult in smaller towns and villages. Most markets and small cafes across the country will not serve alcohol. If you would like to have a glass of wine with your meal, you will need to visit a larger restaurant. Alcohol can also be found in most supermarkets and hotel bars and restaurants. In the cities of Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba, there are many bars that cater to international visitors and serve a range of alcohol. Outside of these cities, it will become more difficult to find alcohol, except in large international hotels.
It is important to note that it is illegal to drink on the street in Jordan and public displays of drunkenness are frowned upon. This includes all public spaces such as beaches, cafes, and public areas of hotels. The best places to drink alcohol in Jordan are bars, hotels, or restaurants. The country also has a strict drink-driving law, and visitors should always check the drinking limits before driving.
Jordan has a rich heritage in liquor production. In recent years, the country has begun to produce its own wine, and there are a small number of vineyards that offer tours and wine-tasting sessions. The main brand of beer in Jordan is Amstel, which can be purchased in cans or bottles, and is sometimes available on tap in bars. There are also other domestic beers, such as Petra, which offers beers at various ABV percentages.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can legally buy and drink beer in Jordan. Jordan is considered the most liberal country in the region in this respect. However, it is important to be respectful and drink in moderation, as public drunkenness is frowned upon and illegal.
Beer can be purchased from liquor stores, which are found almost everywhere, particularly in Amman, and in bars, pubs, and clubs.
No, drinking in public is not allowed in Jordan. It is illegal to drink on the street and can lead to arrest. It is best to drink beer in a bar, hotel, or restaurant.
Beer prices in Jordan are generally more expensive than in Western countries. A large glass of domestic beer typically costs around 5-7 JOD (7-10 USD).
