Sales of Grape Juice Banned in Tehran's Fruit and Vegetable Market

Following the order of the Tehran Prosecutor, the sale of grape juice has been declared prohibited in Tehran's large fruit and vegetable market. On Wednesday, May 17, the Union of Commission Agents announced that all sellers of grape juice must collect their juicing machines based on this judicial order. Industrial units active in the production and sale of grape juice in the large fruit and vegetable market in the Azadegan area have been accused of 'changing usage' and threatened with action 'according to regulations' in case of violations. The reason for this ban has not yet been specified, but the Fars News Agency, close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, deemed the purchase of grape juice in 'large volumes such as 15-kilogram containers in large numbers' by some customers suspicious, stating that this point 'merited consideration.' The news has faced criticism and humorous remarks on social media. For instance, journalist Samira Alampanah hinted at the possibility of establishing fruit vendor patrols to confront grape juice sellers. Journalist Hossein Yazdi also suggested that grape cultivation should be banned altogether. A user named Shabnam Keyvanian humorously described this judicial action as 'prevention.' According to the laws of the Islamic Republic, the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited, and violators are punished. This ban has led to a lack of transparency and significant delays in public awareness regarding issues such as alcohol addiction and regulations for penalizing drunk driving. Previously, the New York Times reported that 10% of Iran's population consumes alcoholic beverages, identifying raisin liquor as one of the most popular drinks among Iranians. Since the Islamic Revolution of February 1979, officials have declared many cultural and social freedoms in various areas such as sports, clothing, food, and entertainment as prohibited. Bans on the use of video, playing chess, and boxing are among the prohibitions that have been lifted in recent years. Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic continues to strongly oppose the right to voluntary hijab for women and girls. A film producer reported that showing the victory sign by a woman in film advertising is prohibited. The criminalization of intentional abortion has intensified in Iran; the Ministry of Health has threatened doctors. Two more restaurants in Tehran were closed under the pretext of combating improper hijab. The Russian ambassador stated that 'mandatory hijab' and 'prohibition of alcohol' hinder Russian travel to Iran. Eight distributors of alcoholic beverages were arrested following the poisoning of dozens in Bandar Abbas.