Top OFW Safety Tips
Drinking and Getting Drunk – Qatar
Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol. Muslims caught consuming alcohol are liable to flogging or deportation. Alcohol consumption is partially legal for non-Muslims. Some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their non-Muslim customers in Qatar.
Different Penalties for Muslims and Non-Muslims
The Qatar Penal Code, particularly Articles 270 and 271 of Chapter 3 on Drinking, Gambling and Begging provides the penalties for alcohol consumption:
Article 270
Whoever drinks any alcoholic beverages in a public place or opens a store or a house to trade in alcoholics shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months and/or a fine not exceeding Three Thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 3,000). The same penalty shall apply to any person who is found drunk on a main road or, being intoxicated disturbs others.
Article 271
Whoever gives a person under sixteen years of age an alcoholic beverage or incites him to drink alcohol is convicted to a term not exceeding three years imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding ten thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 10,000).
On the other hand, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol if they hold an alcohol permit. If caught drinking without a license, a jail term from 1 to 6 months and or fine not exceeding QR 3,000 can be imposed.
Alcohol License
Qatar Distribution Company administer the issuance of alcohol permits. Application forms can be obtained at their shop. To apply for permit, the applicant must be a non-Muslim, Qatar resident and earning not less than QR 4,000 basic salary a month. A letter, written in English, is also needed to apply for an alcohol permit with the following details:
- Employment designation
- Basic salary
- Whether the applicant receives an accommodation entitlement or has free accommodation
- Marital status
The documentary requirements are the following:
- Photocopy of passport
- Photocopy of residence permit
Duty Free Limits
Carrying alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited. Items will be confiscated and you won’t be able to retrieve them at any time. Hand-baggage will be security screened before you can proceed to the baggage claim area.
Transporting Alcohol
Alcohol can only be purchased and transported for home consumption. The alcohol permit gives holder permission to transport reasonable quantity of alcohol. Qatar Distribution Company calculates monthly quota of alcohol based on salary. The total amount of product sold to any individual at any one sale should not to exceed 10% of basic salary.
Being Drunk in Public, Drinking and Driving
Possession of alcohol permit enables the holder to purchase alcohol, but does not carry with it the right to drink it in public places or be drunk in public areas. Expatriates requires to bring passport or Qatar ID card to the bar to get entry. Alcohol is also available in licensed restaurants and hotels for adult non-Muslim.
Breaking this law can result to deportation, payment of fine or prison sentences.
Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php