Top OFW Safety Tips
Drinking and Getting Drunk – Bahrain
Alcohol is available for purchase by non-Muslims at special stores, although, there is restriction concerning the consumption of alcohol. However, there is zero-tolerance policy adopted towards driving while drunk. Even drinking while in transit through Bahrain airport could lead to detention and fines.
Different Penalties for Muslims and Non-Muslims
The Bahrain Penal Code, particularly Article 306 and 307 provides penalties for alcohol consumption:
Article 306 (amended by Legislative Decree No. 7 of 1985)
A punishment of a fine not exceeding BD 50 shall be the penalty for any person who is found to be intoxicated in a public place or a place usually frequented by the public. The same punishment shall be applicable to any person who is under the influence of alcohol while causing disturbance to others. In case of recurrence, the punishment shall be imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month and a fine of no more than BD 100, or either penalty.
Article 307
If it is proved that the recidivist referred to in the preceding Article is addicted to intoxicating drinks, a judge shall pass a judgement ordering the referral thereof to a sanitarium instead of inflicting the aforesaid punishment.
Furthermore, the council excluded the consumption of liquor in private places from the alcohol consumption rules by amending article 307 of the aforementioned law to ban the consumption of liquor in public places only. Accordingly, after the amendment, article 307 will read as follows: “It is prohibited in cases other than those authorized by the Minister of Health for the purpose of testing and scientific medical research to import, export, sell, possess, manufacture, or offer any kind of liquor in public places and shops.”
Alcohol License
One does not need an alcohol license in Bahrain to buy and to take home but drinking in public or being caught intoxicated is not tolerated. Alcohol is only allowed to be served in four- and five-star hotels and standalone licensed venues, and it is possible to buy alcohol for private consumption at selected stores (or online for home delivery with certain brands) and the legal
drinking age is 18 or 21 (it depends on the establishment’s rules).
Duty Free Limits
The Bahrain customs allows any travelers of 18 years of age and above to import alcoholic liquor not exceeding 01 liter and 06 cans of beer. It is important to know which substances or items are illegal or restricted before entering the country.
Being Drunk in Public, Drinking and Driving
Bahrain has zero tolerance policy in driving under the influence of alcohol and if caught you will incur a fine of BHD 500 to BHD 1, 000 plus a jail sentence of one month to one year. If the drunk driving causes an accident, it will result in a sentence of two months to two years, plus a fine of BD 1, 000 to BD 2, 000. If the offence is repeated within a year, the penalty will be doubled.
Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php