Alcohol voted to be banned in Iraq.

As a result of a vote in Iraq, jobs will be lost but the government says they will find new jobs for the unemployed.  The parliament has voted to ban the sale, import and production of alcohol in a surprise move.   This is apparently in relation to a law contradicting Islam. Religious minorities are appealing against the decision.

A fine for violating the new law of between 10m and 25m dinares (£7-17,500) will be levied. Currently or before the ban comsumption of alcohol especially in Baghdad was very normal and popular.

A Shia MP Ammar Toma, said “the effects of alcohol on society are great and include deprivation, social problems and terrorism”.