Yes, you can drink alcohol in Marrakech, but there are rules and cultural norms to be aware of. Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and it's available in some stores. However, public drinking and certain behaviours can lead to fines or legal issues. Here is what you need to know to enjoy responsibly and respectfully.
Quick Answer
Is it legal?
Yes, in licensed hotels, bars & restaurants.
Drink in public?
No — never in the street or public spaces.
Etiquette?
Be discreet and respect local culture.
Drinking age?
18 and over.
1. Is Alcohol Legal in Marrakech?
Yes — alcohol is legal in Morocco and available to tourists in Marrakech. It's served in licensed venues such as hotels, riads, restaurants, and bars, and sold in some supermarkets and dedicated shops. Morocco is a Muslim country, so alcohol is treated with discretion, but visitors can enjoy a drink in the right setting.
What's not allowed is drinking in public — in the street, squares, or on public transport. Respecting that line is the key to staying on the right side of both the law and local custom.
2. Where Can You Drink Alcohol?
The easiest places to enjoy a drink are licensed hotels, rooftop bars, riads with a licence, and many restaurants in tourist areas like Guéliz, Hivernage, and the Palmeraie. Upscale venues often have full bars and wine lists.
Inside the historic medina, licensed venues are fewer, so it's worth checking in advance or asking your host. A licensed rooftop at sunset is one of the city's great pleasures.
3. Can You Buy Alcohol?
Yes. Alcohol is sold in some larger supermarkets — Carrefour and Marjane often have a dedicated section — and in specialist shops. Opening hours can be limited, and sales are usually paused on Fridays and during religious holidays such as Ramadan.
Carry your purchase discreetly in a plain bag, and enjoy it in your accommodation or a licensed venue rather than in public.
4. Rules You Must Know
A few clear rules keep your trip smooth and respectful.
Minimum age is 18
You must be 18 or over to buy or be served alcohol in Morocco, and you may be asked for ID.
No public drinking
Drinking in the street, squares, or on transport can lead to fines or trouble with the police.
Never drink and drive
Drink-driving laws are strict and enforced. Take a taxi or book a private driver instead.
Be mindful during Ramadan
Sales pause and discretion matters even more during the holy month.
5. Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Morocco is welcoming, but alcohol is a sensitive subject. Drink discreetly, avoid being visibly intoxicated, and don't offer alcohol to locals unless you know they drink. Many Moroccans don't, and mint tea is the true national drink.
Behave respectfully around mosques and in the medina, and keep any celebrations low-key out of consideration for those around you.
6. Areas with More Alcohol Options
Some neighbourhoods are far better stocked than others. If a glass of wine with dinner matters to you, choosing accommodation in these areas — or a licensed riad — makes it effortless.
Guéliz
The modern district, with the widest choice of bars, wine shops, and licensed restaurants.
Hivernage
Hotels, rooftop bars, and nightlife clustered close together.
Palmeraie
Resorts and private villas where you can enjoy a drink by the pool, in privacy.
7. What to Avoid
Drinking in public
Never drink in the street, squares, or other public spaces — it's the most common way to run into trouble.
Showing alcohol openly
Carry bottles discreetly and don't flaunt drinks in conservative or residential areas.
Public drinking during Ramadan
Be especially discreet during the holy month, when eating and drinking in public is avoided in daylight.
Pressuring locals
Don't offer alcohol to people who may not drink — it can cause genuine offence.
8. Helpful Tips for Tourists
A little planning lets you enjoy a relaxed drink without any stress.
- Drink in licensed hotels, bars, riads, and restaurants
- Keep alcohol out of sight in public and carry it in a plain bag
- Buy in advance — sales pause on Fridays and during Ramadan
- Choose Guéliz, Hivernage, or a licensed riad for the most options
- Never drink and drive — book a taxi or private driver
- Stay discreet, drink in moderation, and respect those around you
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Explore our services9. FAQ — Alcohol in Marrakech
Yes. Alcohol is legal and served in licensed hotels, bars, riads, and restaurants, and sold in some shops. Just avoid drinking in public, where it isn't permitted.
The legal drinking age is 18. You may be asked for ID when buying alcohol in shops or being served in some venues.
Larger supermarkets such as Carrefour and Marjane often have an alcohol section, and there are specialist shops. Sales usually pause on Fridays and during Ramadan.
Alcohol is still served to tourists in some licensed venues, but sales are limited and discretion is essential. Avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
No. Public drinking — in streets, squares, or on transport — is not allowed and can lead to fines. Enjoy your drink in licensed venues or your accommodation.