Booze and don'ts
Here's a quick rundown of your rights and your responsibilities
Many expats flaunt their ignorance about alcohol rules here and think they can transplant old habits from their home country.
But the zero tolerance policy on drunk driving in the UAE, especially in Dubai, has proved a painful lesson for those caught on the wrong side of the law.
Driving under the influence of alcohol killed more than 70 people in accidents last year compared to 13 in 2005, according to statistics from traffic authorities.
Last year, the top three reasons behind traffic deaths were lack of consideration for road users, driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding.
With Dubai becoming a major tourism hub, and in the middle of an economic boom, the number of drink-driving cases has gone up too, said Brigadier Eisa Aman Obaid, head of the Dubai Police Traffic Department.
“We advise our fellow drivers of different nationalities and religions to be aware of the traffic regulations and penalties involved with drink-driving. We want them to celebrate safely. During festive seasons, such as Christmas, New Year and the spring festival, alcohol consumption among the expatriate community increases,'' an official told XPRESS.
He did not reveal figures. He stressed Dubai's zero tolerance for drink-driving means no amount of alcohol must be present in a driver's blood.
An alcohol seller in Dubai said deterrent penalties for drunk driving would help minimise the alcohol menace.
Stuart Wilson, marketing manager at African & Eastern, a big alcohol retailer in the UAE, said: “In some countries in the West, you lose your licence for at least a year just for drink-driving alone. A jail term, however, should be a good deterrent for people. I still don't understand why people continue to do it.''
Another expatriate commented that it has something to do with disrespect for local sensitivities.
“In Europe, the penalties for drink-driving are very stringent. People do not drink and drive because it's socially unacceptable. But here, many expats still do it regardless of the law – or through their lack of respect for it,'' said Briton Sandy Anderson.
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Licencing Law
- The minimum income to acquire an alcohol licence is Dh2,000 and depending on your salary you are limited to spending Dh500, Dh750, Dh1,000 or Dh1,500.
- The application fee is Dh160.
- Licence card readers are directly connected to the CID. This system allows the CID to monitor all purchases and stop the card if criminal charges are filed against the holder.
- Any non-Muslim resident can apply for a licence, and will need to supply a passport copy, labour contract copy, tenancy contract copy and a passport-sized photo.
Punishments
- The CID follows a zero-tolerance policy towards individuals without a licence caught with alcohol. Penalties may vary from fines to jail terms of up to five years.
- Only non-Muslims are allowed to drink in Dubai.
- Only licence holders are allowed to transport, buy and consume alcohol.
- Public consumption of alcohol is not allowed except at licensed hotels, restaurants and clubs.
- The punishment for Muslim offenders is up to 80 lashes and a jail term along with a fine of not less than Dh1,000.
- Drink-driving could mean a month in jail and a fine. Expats may be deported.
The Rules
- Unlicensed sale of alcohol in Dubai is a serious offence which carries with it a fine, a jail term and automatic deportation.
- Travel with alcohol is only permitted if the individual is carrying a licence and a receipt of purchase.
- Purchase of alcohol is not restricted at Dubai Duty Free. A receipt showing DDF as the origin is sufficient to avoid charges.
- Inter-emirate transport of alcoholic beverages is prohibited without a valid licence.
- Quantities must be for personal use.
- The liquor licence cannot be used in other emirates.
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