Rabat - The PJD, Morocco’s governing party, has reportedly authorized the opening of a bar selling alcohol in the district of Sidi Belyout in Casablanca, which has residents outraged.
The bar was opened on the ground floor of a residential building in Sidi Belyout, according to Moroccan daily Assabah in its weekend issue.
Residents of the building have sent formal complaints to the Wali of Casablanca-Settat, the governorate of the district, and the Wilaya of Grand Casablanca, asking them to open an investigation.
According to the same source, the owner of the bar “received legal authorization from the PJD mayor” to sell alcoholic beverages at his establishment.
Residents of 17 apartments in the Sidi Belyout building have included copies of the alleged authorization to the city authorities, arguing that the opening of the bar threatens the security and peace they enjoy in their homes and neighborhood.
They are requesting the urgent opening of an investigation and a review of the permits issued by the city council, in order to halt the selling of alcohol under their residences.
Morocco’s Royal Dahir (decree), published in July 1967, prohibits the operation of a business dedicated to the sale of alcohol in areas near places of worship, cemeteries, military institutions, hospitals and schools.
Before 2011, representatives of the PJD had strongly supported the proposal of a law prohibiting the advertising of alcohol and wine in commercial stores, the daily noted.
The PJD had also proposed jail terms ranging from three months to one year and fines between MAD 10,000 and 250,000 to all those who violated these rules.
Last October, the Wilaya of Casablanca canceled Morocco’s First Festival of Alcoholic beverages and stopped all of its advertising.
The Attawhid wa lIslah Movement (Uniqueness and Reform), which is a branch of the Islamist Party openly opposed the festival and labeled it as a “bold step that is incompatible with the country’s Islamic identity and values.”
Islam takes an uncompromising stand in prohibiting intoxicants. It forbids Muslims from drinking or even selling alcohol.
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