Can tourists drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?

Despite the country's predominately Muslim population, alcohol is legal and culturally acceptable in Uzbekistan, therefore tourists are welcome to consume it. Here are the main things tourists should know about drinking alcohol:

The Legal Drinking Age

In Uzbekistan, the legal drinking age is twenty years old.14.

Alcohol Availability

Particularly in cities like Tashkent, alcohol is extensively available in eateries, pubs, and supermarkets. Due to Soviet influence, vodka is still the most popular option, although wine and beer are also frequently drank245.

Beer is frequently handled similarly to soft drinks and does not require special permission to be sold, but there are permitted stores that offer just alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Background

Even though it's socially acceptable to drink alcohol, some more devout Muslims could abstain. Nonetheless, a large number of Uzbeks, particularly those of Russian heritage, use alcohol regularly.

Toasting is a significant social tradition frequently combined with speeches and a sense of community at gatherings.

Limitations and Guidelines

Even though it's legal, government measures against places that don't provide alcohol have been reported, suggesting that visitors want these services. This illustrates how cultural customs and the requirement to accommodate foreign guests may coexist harmoniously.

In conclusion, visitors can consume alcohol in Uzbekistan without any problems as long as they follow local regulations about the legal drinking age.