Buying Beer In Qatar: What You Need To Know

While Qatar is an Islamic country, and alcohol is forbidden under Islamic law, non-Muslims are permitted to buy and consume alcohol in the country. However, there are a number of rules and restrictions around this. Firstly, drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. Secondly, non-Muslims must obtain a liquor permit to purchase alcohol for personal use. The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the only place in Qatar where individuals can buy alcohol. To obtain a liquor permit, you must first have a Residency Permit and meet certain income requirements.

Getting a beer in a hotel room

If you are staying at a high-end hotel, you may be able to order alcohol to your room through room service. Some hotels may also have licensed bars or restaurants where you can purchase alcohol. However, it is important to note that alcohol in Qatar is generally very expensive, especially at hotels. When ordering alcohol to your room, always expect to pay a premium.

If you are a resident of Qatar and want to purchase alcohol for consumption in your hotel room, you will need to obtain a liquor license. This process requires persistence and can be lengthy. You will need to obtain a Residency Permit (RP) and then apply for a liquor permit at the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). With this license, you can purchase alcohol from the QDC or consume alcohol at licensed bars or restaurants within the hotel.

It is important to be mindful of local customs and laws when consuming alcohol in Qatar. Always drink responsibly and ensure that your consumption does not create any issues for the public. Additionally, during the Holy month of Ramadan, alcohol consumption may be further restricted, with bars and restaurants closed during the day.

Drinking in public

The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for original photo ID upon entry.

Alcohol can be purchased at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and there is also a single state-controlled off-licence, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), located on the outskirts of Doha. However, QDC is only accessible to residents with a permit.

If you are a tourist, you can still drink alcohol in Qatar, but only in designated places such as bars, clubs, or hotels. It is important to note that drinking in public is illegal, so alcohol should only be consumed in private.

During the World Cup, alcohol was also available at designated fan zones, such as the FIFA Fan Festival and the Arcadia Festival, which was located about two miles outside of Doha.

Getting a liquor licence

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for a liquor licence in Qatar, you must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You should be a non-GCC citizen with a valid Qatar Resident Permit (RP).
• Age: Applicants must be 21 years or older.
• Salary: A minimum basic salary of 3,000 QAR per month is required, excluding all allowances.
• Valid Residence Visa: Your Qatar ID (QID) should be valid for more than two months.
• Accommodation: You must reside in private accommodation in Qatar and not in hotels. This detail must be confirmed in writing by your employer or sponsor.

Application Process:

If you meet the above requirements, you can proceed with the following steps to apply for a liquor licence:

• Book an online appointment: Visit the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) website at www.qdc.com.qa. Select "New Permit" and choose your preferred date and time.
• Complete the application form: You will receive an application form via email, which you need to print and fill out.
• Gather the required documents: These include the completed application form, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter from your employer, and your QID. The NOC letter should be in English, on the company letterhead, and signed by an authorised signatory. It should also state your full name, job position, basic salary, and accommodation entitlement.
• Visit the QDC store: On the appointment day, go to the QDC store with your application form and documents. Submit them to the staff for verification and approval. They will also take your photo.
• Pay the fee and collect your card: Use a credit or debit card to pay the annual licence fee, and you will receive your licence card on the same day.

Additional Information:

• The licence is typically valid for one year or until the maximum validity of your QID.
• There is a monthly quota for liquor purchases linked to the licence, which is based on factors including the basic salary.
• Only licence holders are allowed to purchase alcohol from the QDC store, and they must book an online appointment before each visit.
• The licence is for personal use only, and alcohol cannot be sold or gifted to others.
• Consumption of alcohol must take place at the licence holder's residence, and it is illegal to drink in public.

By following these steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can obtain a liquor licence in Qatar and purchase alcohol for personal consumption.

The Qatar Distribution Company

To purchase alcohol from QDC, individuals must be non-Muslim, non-GCC citizens, over the age of 21, and have a valid Qatar Resident Permit (RP). Applicants must also have a basic salary of at least QAR 3,000 per month and need to book a QDC appointment online before visiting the store. The process of obtaining an RP can be lengthy, and once acquired, individuals must then apply for a liquor permit.

QDC offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, as well as pork products and other items such as snacks, candy, and tobacco. The company takes its responsibility as a retailer seriously and has policies in place to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving.

The sale and consumption of alcohol in Qatar are heavily regulated, and drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. However, non-Muslim residents and tourists are permitted to drink alcohol in private, provided they do not cause a nuisance for others. Alcohol is also served in licensed bars, clubs, and high-end restaurants within hotels.

Alcohol laws in Qatar

During the month of Ramadan, alcohol rules are even more restrictive. The QDC outlet closes, and many outlets don't sell alcohol during the day. Some hotels may provide alcohol through room service, and licensed bars and restaurants may serve alcohol at night.

For tourists, alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. However, it is illegal to be drunk or drink alcohol in public, and doing so can result in a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of QAR 3,000. It is recommended that tourists do not carry alcohol around with them. Alcohol cannot be imported into Qatar, and all baggage is scanned at the airport for illegal imports. However, alcohol can be purchased at the Qatar Duty-Free shops inside Hamad International Airport if transiting through Doha to another country.

Frequently asked questions