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Story summary
- Damascus rescinded an alcohol ban after public backlash and sectarianism accusations.
- The decree would have prohibited citywide alcohol sales and exempted certain Christian neighborhoods.
- After protests, officials clarified that tourism-related alcohol sales would continue in hotels and designated venues.
- The governorate apologized to affected Christian communities and emphasized their cultural significance.
- The incident underscores concerns about the interim government's conservative turn amid unrest under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
