Alcohol licence not needed in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has ended its licensing system for alcohol purchases by residents, Department of Culture and Tourism announced in a circular to distributors and liquor stores.

Customers aged 21 and above can now purchase it for personal use, not resale, without a licence. It should, however, be consumed in private homes or licensed areas only.

“We would like to announce the cancellation of alcohol licenses for individuals,” the circular said. “Residents and tourists will be permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops, and are allowed to drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs and independent outlets, in accordance with the following requirements:

• “The consumer must be 21 years old.
• “The purchase is for personal consumption only and not for resale to others or storage.
• “The alcoholic beverages are consumed in private homes or inside licensed areas.”

Selling liquor and alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 is subject to a fine of Dh40,000 for the first offence, Dh60,000 for the second offence, Dh80,000 for the third offence, and Dh80,000 for the fourth offence onwards.

Selling or re-selling liquor and alcoholic beverages without a licence is subject to a fine of Dh100,000 for the first offence, and Dh200,000 for the second offence. At the third violation, the establishment will be closed.

Advertising alcoholic beverages for sale is subject to a warning at the first offence. A fine of Dh10,000 will apply in the case of second offence, Dh30,000 on the third offence, and Dh40,000 on the fourth offence.

Anyone smuggling alcoholic beverages or liquor, or transporting it from outside the UAE without the required licences, will be referred directly to the courts.
A person making or producing alcoholic beverages at home will be referred directly to the courts for legal proceedings.

In Dubai, residents must provide a licence to buy alcohol in shops while tourists need a temporary licence. There is no need to show a licence in restaurants and bars.

However, Dubai has made certain changes in the alcohol licence system; there is no need for a no-objection certificate from a resident’s employer to get a licence. By filling a form, providing a copy of Emirates ID, and paying Dh270 a resident can buy alcohol now.