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Muslim protesters have taken to the streets of London to demand that shops and restaurants refrain from selling alcohol.

Dozens gathered on Brick Lane to voice their disapproval, and warned retailers they face 40 LASHES if they continue to sell the product.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited by Sharia Law, and the protest, led by former Al-Muhajiroun leader Anjem Choudary, reportedly targeted the area because of the large numbers of revelers who would be there for festive celebrations.

According to reports around 60 men and women handed over warning letters to Muslim-owned businesses in the area.

Choudary allegedly told the crowd: "The shops are run by Muslims and they know they are selling alcohol and they know the sale and consumption of alcohol is completely prohibited.

"We cannot live among the non-Muslims and see this evil take place."

Dr Usama Hasan of the Quilliam Foundation, an anti-extremist think-tank condemned the protests.

"In Islamic teaching you shouldn't drink alcohol, but you can't impose Islamic law on other people," he told the East London Advertiser.

"This is a democracy. To try and impose Sharia by force, which is their stated aim, is completely stupid and against Islamic teaching."