Tourism Minister, Laura Khazen Lahoud, issued a directive prohibiting all tourism establishments from serving alcoholic beverages to minors or allowing anyone under the age of 18 to enter bars and similar venues.

The circular, addressed to all tourism-related businesses, cites Decree No. 12222, issued on March 11, 1963, as well as Articles 625 and 626 of the Lebanese Penal Code. It emphasizes that violations will expose offenders to legal action under existing laws.

“In accordance with public interest and the relevant provisions of Lebanese law, all establishments serving food and drink are strictly prohibited from providing alcohol or admitting persons under 18 years of age,” the circular states.

The decree applies to all types of bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments, at any time of day or night. The Penal Code articles cited explicitly forbid supplying alcoholic beverages to minors not only in bars but in any public establishment where alcohol is available.

Minister Khazen Lahoud stressed that any breach of these regulations would trigger legal consequences.