NorthernLad

I know that this has been discussed before, but reading the latest on the Vince and Michelle saga, it looks like if you are resident you have to have an alcohol license to drink in bars, correct?

A colleague disputes this - my take on it is that you are OK without a license unless you get into trouble with the police, correct?

Spugsy

I don't think so, you just need it to buy booze at the shops.

NorthernLad

As far as I remember, a few years ago Time Out did article on this and included an alcohol license application form in each issue.

This sounds mad (but it is Dubai, after all) - I'm sure it said by law tourists should only drink in hotels where they are staying, and residents can't drink anywhere unless they have a license.

Madam Medusa

i think you're right, northern lad, as far as i am aware, following the law to the letter, you do need to have a licence to drink anywhere here...

MM, xx

MrsHaps

hmmmmmmmm BUT because the hubbies visa is in Sharjah we have to be in the country 6 months before we can apply......

Im not going to bother asking if they is right because his work have told him, AND THATS FINAL!!!! Nevermind im almost T-Total anyway....!!

arbroath_abroad

you do need a license to drink booze if you are a resident. Funny, i had a Dubai visa when i was with that lot.....

scarletfan

A Brit colleague of mine told me a couple of weeks ago about a situation his neighbour was in, who had a few mates around for a few beers. One of them stupidly decided to have a couple of beers too many and drive home. Subsequently, this guy was involved in an accident. The police were more interested in where he had been drinking, and turned up at the neighbours home demanding to see his alcohol licence. After he admitted he did not have one, they confiscated all the alcohol in the house, and the guy is still bricking it awaiting news about what's going to happen to him! He has been informed he will be prosecuted.

lobby lou

new laws i believe xxx

soukie

No - not new. It's always been like this and we have been in UAE on and off since the early 90's. I am suprised that the Police didn't arrest them on the spot so maybe they have softened up on this one. It really is better to get a license just in case.

Confucius

If it is mandatory to have a licence to drink in hotels and bars then hotel staff should ask for the licence and then serve people...
Plus, all those nightclubs/bars/etc, how many of the people frequenting them do actually have licences???

Madam Medusa

how could they do that when there are all the tourists here...as someone else pointed out, there's only an issue when something goes wrong...it's not difficult to get a licence, so there's no excuse really...

MM, xx

Confucius

Well, you know better than me...I don't drink...

Eva

Me thinks the prima facie evidence will have 'evaporated'
Oh that word has my name in it !

Madam Medusa

yeah, bacardi breezers can't really be classed as a "drink" can they...

MM, xx

Confucius

It's Smirnoff MULE!!!