Before you go for some holiday partying, Dubai encourages that you acquire a booze license first. For you to avoid any trouble you must have Dubai alcohol license before you hang out with your friends.
This is the advice of Damon Tudor, general manager of African + Eastern, UAE’s biggest alcohol distributor. According to him, “The average consumer, who may not be aware of the need to have an alcohol license, can get themselves into trouble pretty quickly.”
“And there’s no need to be,” Tudor added. “It’s a perfectly legal thing to drink alcohol – as long as you have the right processes and procedures. Having a license is about covering yourself to make sure you are legally permitted to drink, transport, store alcohol – that’s what it comes down to. The big message from us is to just be aware and safe.”
Getting a license should be a priority not only for people who want to drink on bars and clubs but even for those organizing or attending house parties and Christmas parties around the city.
“You don’t want to be in a situation where you have an alcohol-related incident and you don’t have a license. We want people to be safe,” emphasized Tudor.
Offenders who drink without a license can face serious consequences including up to 6 months of imprisonment of a heavy fine amounting up to Dhs 2,000 (approximately Php 26,000).
Moreover, there have also been cases when violators have been deported because of alcohol-related incidents.
“In Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah, you can buy alcohol without a license,” said Tudor. “That’s legal. But when you’re transporting, holding or consuming alcohol without a license back in Dubai, then that’s illegal. Same as traveling through Sharjah. Sharjah is a dry emirate. It is illegal to have or consume alcohol there.”
In Dubai, two firms grant licenses to drinkers namely African + Eastern and MMI.
Tudor specifically voiced out warning for drinkers who are new to the country and are probably unaware about the legal requirement of having an alcohol license.
“It is important to obtain an alcohol license to avoid going to court,” Tudor concluded.
If you’re living in Dubai don’t forget to follow the law of the said country, If you want to go to party and drink a lot you must ensure you have the Dubai alcohol license.