Top OFW Safety Tips
Drinking and Getting Drunk – Oman
Alcohol intoxication is a serious offense in Muslim jurisdictions therefore, in keeping with Islam’s prohibitions against alcohol, the purchase and consumption (and marketing) of alcoholic beverages are generally forbidden.
Different Penalties for Muslims and Non-Muslims
The Omani Penal Code, Sultani Decree 7 of 1974, particularly Article 228 provides penalties for (a.) appearing in public in an inebriated state or disturbing the peace while intoxicated (10 days in jail and/or fine of OMR 200 and (b.) selling alcohol without a license (6 months to 3 years in jail plus a fine of OMR 300).
The penalties for alcohol-related offences by selling establishments is as follows:
- For first offence, fine of OMR 1,000 (US$2,600).
- For second offence, fine of OMR 2,000 (US$5,200).
- For third offence, 3-month suspension of liquor licence.
- For fourth offence, cancellation of liquor licence.
Alcohol License
Non-Muslims are allowed to keep alcohol at home. To apply for alcohol license, the applicant must be non-Muslim, Oman resident and at least 21 years old. The amount of alcohol that allowed to purchase from a retailer is directly related to salary and can spend only 10% of monthly income on alcohol at the bottle store. The documentary requirements are the following:
- Copy of passport & labour card
- Two passport-sized photos
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
- Labor card application in original – copy returned after issuing labor card. This is to confirm basic salary as registered with the Ministry of Manpower
- Employment contract attested by the Ministry of Manpower to confirm employment and eligibility to apply for a permit
- Completed permit application
- If renewing for permit, bring the old permit
- The license is typically valid for a period of two years.
Duty Free Limits
The Oman customs allows arriving passengers to bring in up to 2 bottles of wine or spirits or 24 cans of beer per person. The person purchasing the alcohol at the airport or anywhere else in Oman must be over the age of 21 years.
Transporting Alcohol
The alcohol license gives the holder permission to keep alcohol in his home. It is only allowed to transport alcohol if you are taking your purchases home directly from the liquor store or airport duty free. Keep your receipt as this gives you the right to transport alcohol. It is not allowed to resell alcohol to others or to purchase alcohol from individuals.
Being Drunk in Public, Drinking and Driving
Possession of an alcohol license enables the holder to purchase alcohol but does not carry with it the right to drink it in public places or to be drunk in public places. Being intoxicated in public is strictly prohibited and could result in a night in jail and a hefty fine. Driving under the influence of alcohol and if you are caught driving under such circumstances, or worse yet, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, the consequences are serious.
Alcoholic products (beer, wine and spirits) are allowed to be sold at (a) liquor shops, (b) airport duty-free shops, and (c) certain hotels and restaurants which hold liquor licenses issued by the ROP, the Government authority that regulates alcohol-related matters.
Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php