Ministry Issues Warning: No Entry to Nightclubs for Those Under 18
Lebanon’s Ministry of Tourism has issued Circular No. 7 instructing tourism establishments to strictly enforce regulations prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors and restricting access to nightlife venues for individuals under the age of 18.
The circular, addressed to tourism establishments operating under Decree No. 4221 dated October 13, 2000, was issued in accordance with public interest requirements and existing legal provisions governing the protection of minors.
The ministry cited Decree No. 12222 of March 11, 1963, which bans the entry of anyone under 18 into nightclubs, discos, bars, and entertainment venues, both during daytime and nighttime hours.
It also referred to Articles 625 and 626 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which prohibit serving alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 18 in bars, tourism establishments, or any venue open to the public.
Under the new directive, all tourism establishments that serve food and beverages, regardless of their classification, are required to refrain from selling, offering, or providing any alcoholic drinks to anyone under 18. Establishments found violating the regulations will be subject to legal and administrative measures.
The ministry stressed that the ban on minors entering nightclubs, discos, bars, and entertainment venues applies at all times, and called on all concerned parties to fully comply with the circular, which is effective immediately.
Violations may result in legal proceedings, official violation reports, and administrative penalties in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
