The prohibition of alcohol has been a powerful symbol of post-revolutionary Iran. It even played a significant role before the Islamic Revolution, when it was used to mobilize people against the Shah of Iran.One of the indicators of the shah’s anti-Islamic policies, late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini argued, was that “there were more wine bars than book stores.” Indeed, bars, pubs and cinemas were among the main targets of riots before the Islamic Revolution, resulting in the destruction of many such venues. After the revolution, alcohol was prohibited as expected and laws passed to punish those who engaged in drinking.
