Alcohol law change: All you need to know about UAE laws on liquor consumption and possession

All the regulations in the UAE surrounding the possession and consumption of alcohol

Last updated: November 11, 2020 | 14:04

Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor, Living in UAE Editor

3 MIN READ

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

Dubai – What are the rules and regulations you need to keep in mind when consuming or possessing alcohol in the UAE? In major changes to the UAE's laws, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a number of presidential decrees on November 7, 2020, amending some articles in the Personal Status Law, the Federal Penal Code, and the Federal Penal Procedural Law.

As part of the changes that were announced, laws related to the consumption and possession of alcohol were also amended. According to the announcement, those who consume or deal in liquor in authorised places and according to the authorised conditions as per the prevailing laws, would not be liable, while giving each emirate the authority to issue the regulatory rules in this matter.

The punishment will be restricted to consuming liquor or serving it or selling it to a person younger than 21 years of age and to those who bought liquor on behalf of a person under 21 years of age.

Here is a step-by-step process on how you can apply for an alcohol licence in the emirate of Dubai.

How can I get one?

The process for applying for an alcohol licence has massively reduced, with residents now requried only to present their Emirates ID.

In Dubai, you can get the alcohol licence online on by visiting the website of Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI), the sales and marketing subsidiary of Emirates Group or here.

The Process

• All residents (over 21 and non-Muslim) can apply for their licence at any of the 18 A+E or 17 MMI stores in Dubai.

• To apply for a new licence or to renew an existing licence, residents will just need to scan their Emirates ID at any MMI or A+E store.

• The cost of the licence is unchanged and remains AED 270.

• Any remaining months left on a red card will be added to the new black card.

Charges

Dh270, with the licence valid for a year.

30-day licences for tourists are issued free of cost.

Once you upload the documents and make the payment, the application needs to be approved. You can then collect the licence from MMI or African and Eastern stores.

Code of conduct

The UAE is a Muslim country with its tradition deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic values. However, the country is also known for its tolerance and how it embraces different cultures. Keeping these aspects in mind, there are certain regulations that need to be abided by at all times when buying or consuming alcohol.

Regulations around alcohol purchase and consumption in the UAE

Dos and Don’ts

Follow these steps to ensure you do not violate any UAE rules with regards to alcohol possession and consumption:

Do not drink in public – it is illegal to drink in any place except designated public spaces. If you are found consuming alcohol in a non-designated area, you can be reported.

If you are carrying alcohol in public, ensure that it is not visible and kept in non-transparent bags.

You are allowed to consume alcohol only within your hotel room/apartment.

Do not consume alcohol if you are planning to drive. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy in place regarding drunk driving.

THE PUNISHMENT FOR DRUNK DRIVING

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy in place for drunk driving. The amount and severity of the fine is decided by UAE courts and the violation attracts 23 black points, with the vehicle being impounded for 60 days.

Violation: Driving under the influence of Alcohol | Fine: Amount and severity to be decided by court | Black Points: 23 | Retention period: 60 days for light vehicles

Licence for tourists

Tourists can also get an alcohol licence in Dubai free of cost.

To apply for the licence, visit any MMI store with your original passport.

Complete and sign a form confirming that you are a tourist and that you understand the rules and regulations with regards to purchasing, transporting and consumption of alcohol in Dubai.

Each visitor will be issued a code of conduct leaflet with regard to alcohol consumption as the UAE has strict laws in this regard.

There is no fee and you can shop right away.

The foot note also mentions that liquor licence issued to tourists is only valid for visitors who are non-Muslim and 21 years and over.

MMI further cautions the tourists on code of conduct regarding consumption of alcohol vis-a-vis the laws of the land: “Each visitor will be issued guidelines to responsible drinking in Dubai. Please ensure that you read this to ensure you are respectful of the country, its rules and its people that you are visiting.”

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