Sunday, May 28, 2023
Home Qatar Alcohol Law and Liquor License Guide in Qatar

Alcohol Law and Liquor License Guide in Qatar

Many countries have adopted different processes and laws in order to control the use of alcohol among citizens. One of these countries is Qatar, where purchasing and drinking of alcohol is banned unless you have a permit to do so.

Speaking of permits, Qatar allows its citizens and expats to get a license to legally buy and drink alcohol. The process is pretty simple: learn the laws about alcohol then follow the application process. If you plan on getting a license now, here are some helpful tips to keep you guided.

On a sidenote, please be advised that alcohol has doubled its price. The price increase began in January 2019 and is part of the excise tax that was put into practice.

alcohol license guide qatar
You need to have a license in order to consume or buy alcohol in Qatar. You may get a license via Qatar Distribution Company.

Learn the laws about alcohol and Getting a Liquor License in Qatar

Being aware is essential to the process. Before you apply for an alcohol license, remember the following laws:

  • Importation of alcohol in Qatar is illegal. The country sticks to this law by requiring everyone who arrives in Doha airport to get their luggages scanned.
  • A person is not permitted to transport alcohol within the country, unless he/she bought it from a legal vendor and bring it straight home.
  • It is illegal to sell, donate, gift, or offer alcohol, especially to Muslims and minors.
  • People who are caught drinking in public places and/or drunk will face punishments such as prison sentences and deportation while corporal punishment for Muslims.
  • People who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol will receive up to 3 years custodial sentences and/or fines. The law also says that a person who commit this offense is not permitted to leave the country if a case is filed against him/her, unless there is a formal resolution.
  • Expats are allowed to purchase alcohol provided they have a permit.
  • There are restricted locations where licensed hotels and restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol to non-Muslims.

Application Procedure of Getting a License to Drink via Qatar Distribution Company

Qatar Distribution Company is the only one that distributes and sells alcohol in the country. It has two locations where alcohol is only allowed to be sold. It also administers the alcohol license application.

To proceed with the application process, you must submit the required documents:

  • Application form from Qatar Distribution Company
  • Authorized letter from your company with the following information:
    • Current position in the company
    • Basic salary, which should be 4,000 Riyals (1,100 USD) or above
    • Whether you are entitled to free accommodations or not
    • Whether you are married or not
  • Photocopy of passport or equivalent IDs
  • Photocopy of residence permit

Once the required documents are completed, submit them to:

Qatar Distribution Company
Address: Nr Qatar Technical College, Street 688, Al Maamoura, Doha
Contact No: 4469 9412

The above steps will guide in you applying for an alcohol license so you can legally drink and consume liquor in the country. Make sure you have you card ready in case authorities will inspect you. Better be safe than to face Fines and Penalties.

Must Read

How to Compute Gratuity Pay in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, if you resigned or get terminated from your work, you don’t only get to serve the notice period for your employer....

Guide to Banking in Saudi Arabia

If you are an expatriate living and working in Saudi Arabia, you have to be knowledgeable of your banking needs in this country. Bank...

Employment Notice Period in Saudi Arabia

If you are an expat currently working in Saudi Arabia and you want to find a new employer to whom you could work, you...

How to Transfer to a New Job in Saudi Arabia

Are you planning to resign from your current job and transfer to a new job? Regardless if you’re a new expat in Saudi Arabia...

What’s Huroob and How Can You Exit Saudi Without Jail

We are going to talk about Huroob and how can expats exist from Saudi Arabia without spending time in jail. A lot of you...