High School Graduation Prom Provokes Questions on Alcohol Laws in Egypt

Alcohol regulation has been a trending issue within the context of tourism and consumption by foreigners. Throughout the past years, many rules and regulations have been revisited to guarantee the freedom of tourists to consume alcohol while in Egypt.

However, questions regarding serving alcohol have been raised again due to the recently leaked images of a previous high school prom of the American International School known as (AIS).

The controversy has been evoked as the event of a high school graduation prom featured a bar serving alcoholic drinks to high school kids who are between the ages of 15 and 17, meaning they are under the legal age 21.

Although social media platforms have been sharing the news among their friends labelling the event as a high school graduation ceremony, The Chairman of AIS Walid Abushakra has confirmed that this event was a private celebration organised by the students.

“The school had nothing to do with this event, we only did the graduation ceremony. This event was a celebration held by the students for themselves and their friends at a hotel, but it has nothing to do with the school,” said Abushakra

As stated, this prom is a private celebration held between students therefor questions of privacy have been raised by the school students.

“We don’t know who put our name on the event, but whoever it was, we’ll be taking legal action. We had 32 students in our graduating class at the AIS West Campus in 2016, and the images in question show hundreds of people. Neither the students, nor any event organisers are allowed to use our name and logos for any unofficial event, and whoever was behind this will have to face the consequences,” said Abushakra.

Abushakra added that the organising company has to be banned from dealing with kids. What they provided for the students was not appropriate or acceptable.

“I am a Lebanese-American, and at AIS we deeply respect the Egyptian culture and teach our students to be proud of their heritage and to adhere to their country’s values, customs, and traditions.”