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DAMASCUS, Syria - With life slowly normalizing in Syria, the fate of hundreds of pubs and liquor stores under the new transitional government is unknown, with business owners and residents worried that authorities will shut their doors in a new Syria after Bashar al-Assad.
Among the worried is Jad, a bar owner whose dimmed pub in the once-bustling Bab Touma neighborhood in Damascus' Old City appeared almost empty as people carefully return to such taverns amid fears of a possible government crackdown.
"In general, there’s fear about whether traditions and the nature of work will be accepted or rejected. People are reluctant because there’s nothing certain as of today," said Jad, preferring not to reveal his family name for security reasons.
With no decree currently prohibiting pubs and liquor stores from reopening, Jad hopes business will continue as usual under the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which spearheaded the lightning offensive against Assad and is leading a transitional government.
Rumors circulating around the neighborhood say that militants are planning to crack down on bars.
"Last Thursday, we, as bar owners, approached the officials in charge of the neighborhood to inquire if we are allowed to open our bars and resume a normal life. They told us that there’s no decree prohibiting bars and the situation is normal. Based on this, we decided to reopen our bars, and fortunately, customers are gradually returning," he added.
Pubs and liquor stores remained shut for four days after rebel groups removed Assad from power on December 8, but owners quietly resumed business and the current transitional government has so far seemed tolerant.
"Right now, the situation is not stable. It is not easy to control it as significant changes are happening across the country. It's not something that can be resolved overnight," said Abduljalil Omer, a regular visitor to Damascus' Bab Touba neighborhood.
The HTS-led government has emphasized that the interim government will be tolerant to all social and religious groups in the country.
"Instability has not upset us. Everything will be okay; it’s just a matter of time. Everything will be alright,” Omer added.
Among the worried is Jad, a bar owner whose dimmed pub in the once-bustling Bab Touma neighborhood in Damascus' Old City appeared almost empty as people carefully return to such taverns amid fears of a possible government crackdown.
"In general, there’s fear about whether traditions and the nature of work will be accepted or rejected. People are reluctant because there’s nothing certain as of today," said Jad, preferring not to reveal his family name for security reasons.
With no decree currently prohibiting pubs and liquor stores from reopening, Jad hopes business will continue as usual under the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which spearheaded the lightning offensive against Assad and is leading a transitional government.
Rumors circulating around the neighborhood say that militants are planning to crack down on bars.
"Last Thursday, we, as bar owners, approached the officials in charge of the neighborhood to inquire if we are allowed to open our bars and resume a normal life. They told us that there’s no decree prohibiting bars and the situation is normal. Based on this, we decided to reopen our bars, and fortunately, customers are gradually returning," he added.
Pubs and liquor stores remained shut for four days after rebel groups removed Assad from power on December 8, but owners quietly resumed business and the current transitional government has so far seemed tolerant.
"Right now, the situation is not stable. It is not easy to control it as significant changes are happening across the country. It's not something that can be resolved overnight," said Abduljalil Omer, a regular visitor to Damascus' Bab Touba neighborhood.
The HTS-led government has emphasized that the interim government will be tolerant to all social and religious groups in the country.
"Instability has not upset us. Everything will be okay; it’s just a matter of time. Everything will be alright,” Omer added.
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