Published: July 4, 2023
Last Updated: July 5, 2024
In September 2020, Abu Dhabi updated its system which previously required residents who drink or keep alcohol to have a Ministry of Interior liquor permit or face arrest, fines, and possible imprisonment.
In this article, we discuss a possible interpretation of the amendment made to the Federal Criminal Code about the consumption and possession of alcohol by the best criminal lawyers in the UAE. As can be seen, consuming alcohol is no longer illegal in the UAE under federal law, as long as certain requirements are satisfied, like only drinking in places permitted by the law and considering any local laws that each Emirate may enact.
Liquor Consumption is permitted exclusively by Non-Muslims in authorized cafés, bars, clubs, and confidential settings and at home (for occupants who have procured a liquor permit). It is illegal to drink liquor while strolling on the road or to be savored in a public spot.
For those living in the UAE, an authorized permit should be gotten before buying liquor from selective, specific, and authorized stores. This permit is just a license for purchasing liquor NOT for using it in the open or ill-advised conduct while drinking. It gives no invulnerability for liquor-related criminal offenses. It is an offense to convey liquor in your vehicle on the off chance that you don’t hold the liquor permit. Assuming you come to the consideration of the police you might be captured, even though you might have bought the liquor lawfully. The person consuming Liquor must be over 21’year old. Liquor isn’t accessible in all Emirates.
Tourists who have attained the age of majority i.e. 21 years can buy liquor but tourists are not exempted from the condition of buying liquor with a license. However, tourists older than 21 years can obtain a free one-month license to use liquor during their stay in Dubai. To get their license, tourists must visit an African + Eastern or MMI liquor store with their original passport, fill out a short form and sign an official declaration to state that they are not UAE residents, and will obey the UAE’s rules and regulations.
Non-Muslims are allowed to use liquor but the condition is they can buy it with an authorized license. Muslim people are not allowed to get a liquor license, however, if a Muslim consumes liquor, he will be subjected to strict punishment under the law.
It’s illegal to consume liquor without an authorized permit or license, not only to consume but to import, export, produce, obtain, drink, supply, sell or offer alcoholic drinks to someone not having a valid alcohol license issued by the Licensing authority is punishable under criminal law. law on Alcoholic Beverage Control issued in 1972 declared all the above-mentioned acts illegal.
If a person is found guilty of selling or purchasing liquor without a license can be subjected to punishment under Law on Alcoholic Beverage Control issued in 1972. The criminal law of UAE prescribed the punishment for liquor-related offenses as imprisonment which can go up to 6 months and can also be a fine of 5000 dirhams and the charges can be combined as fine and imprisonment.
It’s important to remember that for each emirate a person is bound to get a separate liquor license. It must be kept in mind that offenses caused by consumption of liquor like drinking and driving caused the injury can attract savior penalties which can be long-term imprisonments