Yes, you can buy alcohol in Morocco. It is legal, it is produced here, and it is sold openly in the right places. The catch is that “the right places” is a shorter list than you might be used to, and knowing it saves a lot of wandering. Here is exactly where to go.
Supermarkets
The most reliable option for visitors. The larger chains, particularly Carrefour and Acima, operate licensed drinks sections in many of their bigger stores, usually tucked at the back or in a separate room with its own till. This is also where you will find the best prices on Moroccan wine, well below restaurant markup. Smaller neighborhood grocers and medina shops generally do not sell alcohol.
Licensed liquor shops
Most cities have dedicated licensed shops selling wine, beer, and spirits. They are discreet, rarely signposted in an obvious way, and often close early and on Fridays. Ask your riad or hotel to point you to the nearest one; staff are used to the question and will tell you without fuss.
Hotels, riads, bars and restaurants
Licensed restaurants, hotel bars, and rooftop terraces serve alcohol by the glass and bottle. This is the easiest and most comfortable option, especially in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir, though you pay a significant markup. Many riads will also let you drink wine you bought elsewhere on the premises. Worth asking politely first.
Wineries and cellar doors
If you are anywhere near Meknès or Volubilis, buying at the estate itself is the best value in the country for premium bottles, and you get to taste before you commit. See the guide to visiting Morocco’s wine country for which estates welcome visitors and how to arrange it.
Duty free on arrival
Moroccan airports have duty-free shops on arrival as well as departure, which is useful if you want international spirits. For Moroccan wine specifically, you will do better buying locally.
What you cannot do
You will not find alcohol in ordinary cafés, most medina shops, or small local restaurants, and it is not sold during certain religious holidays. Drinking in the street or any public space is not acceptable and can get you into genuine trouble. Buy it, carry it discreetly in an opaque bag, and drink it at a licensed venue or your accommodation.
During Ramadan
Sales are restricted during Ramadan and many licensed shops stop selling to locals, with some suspending sales entirely. Tourist-facing hotels and licensed restaurants usually continue to serve guests, but selection narrows and discretion matters more than ever. Plan ahead if you are travelling then.
A few practical notes
Carry a passport copy, as the legal drinking age is 18 and ID checks do happen. Expect to pay more than you would at home, because alcohol is heavily taxed here; the guide to Moroccan wine prices breaks down what to budget. And if you are buying wine, buy Moroccan: it is the one thing you cannot easily get once you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists buy alcohol in Morocco?
Yes. Alcohol is legal to buy, sell and drink, and tourists buy it openly in licensed supermarkets, liquor shops, hotels and restaurants. The legal drinking age is 18 and ID checks do happen, so carry a passport copy.
Which supermarkets in Morocco sell alcohol?
The larger Carrefour, Acima and Marjane stores operate licensed drinks sections, usually at the back or in a separate room with its own till. Smaller neighbourhood grocers and medina shops generally do not.
Can you buy alcohol during Ramadan in Morocco?
Sales are restricted. Many licensed shops stop selling to locals and some suspend sales entirely, while tourist-facing hotels and licensed restaurants usually continue to serve guests with a narrower selection. Plan ahead and be especially discreet.
Can I take Moroccan wine home with me?
Yes, subject to your airline’s rules and your home country’s duty-free allowance, both of which are worth checking before you buy. Leave room in your luggage and pack bottles with some padding.
What to put in your basket
Once you have found a licensed shop, the harder question is what to buy, and the answer is almost always Moroccan, because it is the one thing you cannot easily get once you leave. Start with a chilled vin gris and a Meknes Syrah, both covered with prices in the guide to the best Moroccan wines to try. Check the price guide first so you know what a fair shelf price looks like.
Related reading
For the full legal picture and etiquette, see can you drink alcohol in Morocco. For what to actually put in your basket, see the best Moroccan wine brands and bottles.