qatari laws Archives • Middle East 24/7

How to Apply for Alcohol License in Qatar

To know more about the guidelines and laws about alcohol in Qatar, continue to read below…

Laws Governing Alcohol Purchase and Consumption

It is illegal to import liquor into the country. All luggage is screened and inspected at the arrivals hall of Doha Airport.

Consuming alcohol in public or getting drunk is considered an offense. Those who will be caught doing either of these can be subject to deportation, fine, or imprisonment, whereas corporal punishment may be given to Muslims caught violating this law.

Transporting alcohol within the country is also prohibited, except for bringing it home after purchasing from the warehouse on the same day it was bought.

Offering alcohol to Muslims and minors is considered a crime.

Unauthorized selling or donating and sharing of alcohol is also not allowed.

OFWs based in Qatar can only get a hand on alcoholic beverages via a permit system. Licensed restaurants and hotels may sell alcohol to non-Muslim adult customers in restricted areas.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime punishable by law in Qatar. If caught by authorities, the violator may be detained for a month up to 3 years or be given a hefty fine or both. The offender may also be subject to deportation depending on the severity of the case. Those with existing charges under this law will not be allowed to leave the country until the case has been resolved.

Applying for an Alcohol Permit

The Qatar Distribution Company issues alcohol permits and application forms can be requested and filed in their shop. However, in order to enter the shop, a permit will be required. To file an application for the permit, you should provide a written letter which must be signed and stamped by an authorized person within your company or by your employer, and addressed to the Qatar Ditribution Company with the following information:

Your current position in the company

Your current basic salary. The minimum basic salary to be issued a permit is QAR 4,000 (or about USD 1,100).

Your place of accommodation, whether rented or freely sponsored

Your place of marriage (where applicable) and religion

Note: After filling out the application form, you will be required to settle a returnable deposit.

The following requirements may also be requested:

Your passport or any equivalent identification document (photocopy is accepted)

Your residence permit (photocopy is accepted).

As in the case of living elsewhere in the world, certain rules and specific customs have to be observed by both locals as well as foreign nationals living there. As expats, it is also our responsibility to know and follow these rules in order to avoid getting into trouble with the law.

First and foremost, for anyone who plans to visit any Muslim country, such as Qatar and other countries in the Middle East, you have to recognize that Islamic laws and Muslim culture are very conservative. This easily translates to the people’s way of thinking, behaviour, and even dressing up in public.

ALSO READ: Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

On that note, we must all learn to respect the locals’ values and culture, so as not to cause any form of misunderstanding, or worse — even, get into trouble with the law. Yes, this could really happen so beware!

[GUIDE] Understanding the Dress Code in Qatar — Credits: Jay Galvin/Flickr

[Culture] Respect the Qatari People’s Dress Code

Figuring out what’s allowed and what isn’t is quite simple, since the government has consciously launched initiatives on a regular basis to help other nationalities and tourists understand the local culture, and also to guide them accordingly.

For a time, the government even had a slogan which said, ‘Reflect your Respect’ in an effort to educate tourists on what types of clothing are allowed and those that are not.

Under the campaign of Qatar’s Islamic Culture Centre, leaflets that share the message: “If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Help us preserve Qatar’s culture and values; please dress modestly in public places” were distributed to foreigners and tourists to help them become aware of the dress code.

The campaign, which had been launched in 2014, has taken on various forms and approach in instilling the acceptable way of dressing up in the country.

Understanding the Dress Code Based on the Law

Despite being a country of multinational colours, Article 57 of Qatari Law clearly stipulates that compliance with the laws issued by Public Authorities, abiding by the requirements of public order and public decorum, as well as the observance of national traditions and deep-rooted customs are duties of everyone residing in the State of Qatar or entering its territory.

And while some foreigners may view Qatari laws as too stringent, even oppressive to outsiders, it has always been this way since Qataris adhere to the Sharia law, and they do not wish for their children to become exposed to what they consider as immodest clothing.

Figuring out what is acceptable from what is not in terms of clothing is simply a matter of decency (meaning – the lesser skin revealed, the better).

With that, revealing clothes that expose the knees and shoulders such as short dresses, mini-skirts, cropped tops and sleeveless tops are not allowed for women. Also, women should try to avoid wearing tight-hugging clothes (even leggings/“jeggings”), as well as those that cover too little of the legs down to the knees. Needless to say, see-through clothes are out of the question.

On the other hand, men are also prohibited from wearing shorts (knees exposed), as well as vest tops that expose the chest.

If you’d like to avoid receiving unnecessary attention especially from the police, it would be best to comply with the dress code in the country.

To be on the safe side: Wear clothes with decent necklines and regular sleeves. Also, remember to keep your legs and knees covered.

As much as the locals make an effort to be warm and welcoming, tourists and expats are also expected to comply with the host nation’s laws and customs. This is a very important sign of respect, not only to the people but more importantly to their culture.