A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. Dubai also simplified its licensing process, eliminating purchase restrictions and the ability of employers to block workers from obtaining a card. Individuals must still be over the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Therefore if you were to enter a liquor store today, you would still need an valid license in order to make a purchase. In September, the emirate ended the alcohol licence system for residents. The new procedure on alcohol permits allows tourists to obtain one for free at either African & Eastern or MMI stores after showing their passports and signing a pledge … What’s On posed the question to a representative at both African + Eastern and MMI, the latter of which confirmed that right now, the same rules still apply. Legally you can’t even transport it in a taxi. MMI has not received any official rule changes from the UAE government in terms of allowing customers to purchase alcohol without a liquor license. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to license-holding residents, as the United Arab Emirates saw the first drop in alcohol sales by volume in a decade. Following the news yesterday that consuming and purchasing alcohol without a liquor license is no longer a crime, residents were left confused about the rules regarding alcohol licenses. There are certain requirements for a liquor license in the city. A blind eye is turned in most cases. “Dubai has not specified a blood alcohol level to define legal intoxication, and the new law doesn’t clarify that. Getty Images, There are a number of amendments seeking to protect the rights of women. Alcohol consumption is no longer a criminal offence in the UAE. It is not difficult to get a special license for alcohol in Abu Dhabi Rules for obtaining a liquor license in Abu Dhabi . Visitors can obtain the licence at 17 African + Eastern stores or 17 Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI) liquor stores to use during their stay in Dubai. Legally you need one though. The changes were aimed at making it easier for residents to acquire one and to ensure the law was clear. Getty Images, The new law mandates the translators are provided for defendants and witnesses in court, if they do not speak Arabic. The amendments also give each emirate “the right to issue legislation regulating this issue”. In Dubai, you can apply for an alcohol license through two liquor stores: African + Eastern (A&E) and Maritime & Mercantile Intenational (MMI). The laws, effective immediately, reflect progressive measures that aim to attract more foreign direct investment and visitors to the country and to ease rules for residents of the Emirates. All Alcohol Licence holders need to be registered on the new system by 31 st August 2020. UAE sets out legal overhaul of personal and family law, Abu Dhabi to end alcohol licence system for residents. Apparently the law says that only hotel guests may drink at hotel bars but it's unheard of for that to be … Now here’s the thing: We’ve seen a lot of questions on the internet about Dubai bus routes… Read More » How to set up DEWA, Transfer & Cancel. Individuals must still be over the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Tags. All residents over 21 years of age and non-muslims can apply for the license at all African and Eastern and MMI outlets. The UAE announced the biggest overhaul of its legal system in years on Saturday, affecting everything from divorce and inheritance to the consumption of alcohol. Previously, prosecutions for drinking were rare but an individual could be charged for consuming alcohol without a licence if they were arrested for another offence. 3. Both have online and physical stores across the emirate that you can visit for license application as well as renewal. The laws of the country where the marriage took place would be applied. Nobody asks to see your alcohol licence at Dubai Duty Free or in any restaurant or bar. 2. 3. They could not legally purchase alcohol from liquor shops in Dubai. Its Now Easy To Own A Liquor License In Dubai. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. Tags. The official word from the UAE government was that drinking alcohol will also no longer be an offence. Getty Images, The law will ensure ‘Good Samaritans’ who intervene in situations where people are in need cannot be held liable for the outcome of those they help. In theory it could be asked for at a bar or club but in practice it almost never is. The emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism announced … The decision removed any grey area over the legalities. Before renewing your license, check out the following prerequisites, requirements, and procedure first: Prerequisites Bars and restaurants do not ask to see licences. If you’re willing to use RTA Dubai bus system, you will definitely need to know Dubai bus routes. Covid-19 rules in Dubai: all the updates you need to be aware of, 16 of the best beach bars in Dubai for sundowners, Where to get the Covid-19 vaccine in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Document Checklist New Liquor Licence. This means anyone who drinks or is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will not face prosecution. Until then, the sale of alcohol was banned on the day preceding a number of Islamic holidays, including Waqfat Arafa, Al Isra’a and M’raj, the birth of the Prophet Mohammed and Islamic New Year. In Dubai, shops previously had to ask residents for a licence, or tourists for a temporary licence, before selling alcohol. A free one-month licence can now be obtained by all non-Muslim visitors over the age of 21 to purchase their own alcohol and consume it. African + Eastern (A+E) confirmed that they are also awaiting further instruction from CID and do still require customers to produce a license when making a purchase. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in. They are also working to introduce the new scheme to the existing contract by the year end. A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. As per Dubai Municipality, drinking alcohol is not allowed on the beach; neither is adding alcohol to any food product. However, those living in Dubai are still required to obtain a license to purchase, transport or have alcohol in their homes — though many skirt the requirement by purchasing drinks in other emirates. Dubai has strict laws surrounding alcohol. Over 21 years old. The court must ensure legal translators are available. In order to apply for a new smart license or to renew the existing one, residents can simply scan their Emirates ID at any MMI or African Eastern store. The new laws are federal and affect all emirates. Resident of Dubai (if your visa is stamped in an Emirate other than Dubai you will require a No Objection Certificate from the relevant Emirate). There will be no longer a distinction of crimes known as ‘honour crimes’, where a male relative can get a lighter sentence for assaulting a female relative under the guise of ‘protecting honour’. New to Dubai. In recent years, shops, bars and restaurants seldom asked customers to show a licence, but customers were technically required to have one by law. Some of the major items mentioned is that tenancy contract is NO longer a requirement, you also do NOT need to get an NOC from employer, and there is NO MORE minimum salary requirement. The Dubai Emirate allows residents to consume alcohol in that Emirate only if they have an alcohol licence. Some of them include: People from the Muslim community cannot apply for the liquor license. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. But the same risks remain as before. Sharjah, for example, is completely “dry” while the other emirates take different approaches to regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. Following the news yesterday that consuming and purchasing alcohol without a liquor license is no longer a crime, residents were left confused about the rules regarding alcohol licenses. That happened rarely, but will no longer be enforced at all under the new law. The system now only requires a valid Emirates ID, which Non-Muslims can take into any A+E or MMI branch. All alcohol licence holders will be required to shift to the new system and have the new smart black licence by August 31, with the current ‘red card’ becoming obsolete from September. I love a challenge – and the more fiendish the better – which is why I’ve always looked forward to renewing my Dubai alcohol license each year. Read about the different types of liquor licenses and the permissible activities under a type C liquor license in Dubai. Getty Images, If a couple were married in their home country, but were divorced in the UAE, they can expect the process to be similar in a UAE court. Not everyone can avail a liquor license in Abu Dhabi. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. No further changes were announced to the system in Dubai, other than those made in the summer, that require Dubai residents with alcohol licences to apply for a new card from September. Residents will no longer need an alcohol license to consume alcohol in a private or authorised space. A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. You application will be processed within 48 hours, and your license will be ready within four weeks. Dubai: Tourists who enjoy a tipple can now purchase their own alcohol and consume it after obtaining a 30-day licence issued to them to them free of cost. Previously, one could buy only a fixed amount of alcohol depending on the salary certificate produced. Rules like these are enforced only when tourists start creating problems. Alcohol License in Dubai – [2020 + Infographic] How to use Dubai public transport. Dubai is set to change its rules around alcohol consumption, according to local reports. According to Commercial Permit Guidebook issued by Department of Economic Development - Dubai, it is not permitted to promote tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol. Tourists can still get a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol while they’re on holiday in Dubai, they simply need to take their passport with valid visit visa into the store to receive the license. Several managers at alcohol shops told The National the card system would remain in place until the new law is officially introduced. Until summer 2019, tourists and visitors could not apply for an alcohol licence. Previously, a charge for consuming alcohol without a licence could be tacked on if someone was arrested for another offence. An Alcohol Licence (or License) gives expats in Dubai and the UAE permission to drink alcohol - they need a residence visa before applying for an alcohol license. A number of old acts were decriminalised, including the consumption of alcohol without a licence. Please follow the instructions below to allow notifications to be sent from The National, Amendments to UAE law remove penalties for the consumption of alcohol. The cost of the license will remain AED 270. Our website uses cookies and other similar technologies to improve our site and your online experience. Anyone who wants to drink, sell or have alcohol on them in all authorised areas across the UAE can now legally do so without an alcohol license and face NO PENALTIES WHATSOEVER. All; Dubai; COVID-19; Corona Dubai; Corona UAE; Corona Virus; Dubai Hotels; Abu Dhabi But what does it mean for residents and tourists? Restrictions on alcohol have been progressively updated in Abu Dhabi since 2018 when a note was issued to restaurants, bars and retailers in May ending “dry days” in the emirate. By continuing to use our website you consent to cookies being used. The new alcohol licence being introduced in Dubai is designed to make the process simpler and reduce the level of paperwork previously required, according to the managing director of MMI. Under a long-standing, but rarely used clause, it had been possible for someone who went to the aid of someone, to give CPR or other first aid, to be help accountable for their injury or death. 1. Do I still need an alcohol license to shop at Dubai liquor stores? A note sent to distribution companies and retailers said they were not required to ask customers to produce a card that showed they were eligible to buy alcohol. Here’s what it means for you. Residents will no longer need an alcohol license to consume alcohol in a private or authorised space. The announcement comes after the liquor license system was updated to make the application process smoother, and available to more people. Network providers have already applied the new rule to all new contracts. Monthly salary over AED 3,000. Full Coverage: United Arab Emirates. Dubai Bus Routes List – 2019 – 2020 . It is shown at off-licences or liquor stores in Dubai when making purchases. Everything you need to know about alcohol & liquor licenses in Dubai, UAE. Getty Images. Please check out the step by step guide below to learn how you can get … What the new law does is create potential revenue through the granting of licences, and further mislead people into thinking that they can buy and consume alcohol without any risks. The situation has now changed and tourists can apply for an temporary alcohol permit. The legal drinking age remains 21 but alcohol is now DECRIMINALISED. Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. New UAE law allows unmarried couples to live together, MMI and African & Eastern launch home delivery in Dubai, It's now much easier to obtain a liquor license in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm relaunches underwater yoga classes, 6 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: January 24 to 27, Platinum Heritage launches unique camping experiences in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is set to welcome a McGettigan's and Trader Vic's, 6 of the very best breakfast deals in Dubai. Applicants need to be non-Muslim and at least 21. Visitors who do not live there cannot get a licence, but one way round it is to buy duty free booze at the airport and take it to your hotel. Rules For Applying For Smart Alcohol License. “Penalties are limited to those who serve or sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 or who bought alcohol with the intention to give it to an underage individual," the law says. It said customers must be at least 21 and the purchase should be for personal use, not resale, and that alcohol should be consumed in private homes or licensed areas only. Abu Dhabi has ended its licensing system for alcohol purchases for residents. It is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to drink, transport or store alcohol at home in Dubai to have a liquor license. They’ll happily sell it to you without an alcohol licence at Dubai Duty Free in the arrivals area. Getty Images, For the first time the law will allow for the legal cohabitation of unmarried couples. It informed them alcohol would be permitted in licensed areas during "all religious occasions, throughout the year and in upcoming years". Suicide: Suicide and attempted suicide are also no longer criminalised in the UAE. This has always been the case. The National explains. The old system will be retired from 1st September 2020, making the “red cards” no longer valid. 4. Liquor Licence Mandatories. 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