Qatar is an Islamic country following
Shariah Law. Care should be taken to behave in a manner that does not offend the country's culture or religious beliefs, particularly during Ramadan. Qatar is a place where people, including Muslims, can legally buy alcohol and then be taken to court for drinking it. Qatar Law states that drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence punished by imprisonment, a fine or both.
Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, but some laws apply to alcohol and its consumption for visitors and residents. It is illegal to import alcohol into the country. All luggage is scanned at the arrival hall of Doha airport. It is an offence to drink alcohol or to be drunk in a public place. People breaking this law can be deported, fined or receive prison sentences. As an Islamic country Muslims caught drinking may be subjected to corporal punishment. Alcohol should not be transported within the country, except to take it home from the warehouse on the day of collection.It is an offence to offer alcohol to Muslims and minors. It is illegal to sell, donate or give away alcohol
Expatriates living in Qatar can buy alcohol via a permit system. It is also available in licenced restaurants and hotels which may sell alcohol to adult, non-Muslim customers in restricted areas. The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the only licensed retail distributor of wines and spirits in Qatar. The store has wide range of beverages that can be purchased by licensed hotels and qualifying private individuals. They run two shops which are the only places where alcohol can be purchased. They offer a wide range of beverages and a permit is needed to make a purchase. Any alcohol bought must be hidden from view and taken straight home. The amount of alcohol that a person can purchase each month depends on their salary.
Qatar Distribution Company Application Form
Applying for an Alcohol Permit: Alcohol permits are administered by the Qatar Distribution Company and application forms can be obtained at their shop. A permit must be shown to enter the shop. A letter, written in English, is needed to apply for an alcohol permit. The letter must be addressed to the Qatar Distribution Company, be stamped and signed by an authorised person within the company, and must need these informations
1. The applicant's position within their company
2. The applicant's basic salary. The word 'basic' must be used. To get a permit a minimum salary is needed (4,000 Quatar riyals or 1,100 US dollars)
3. Whether th applicant receives an accommodation entitlement or has free accommodation
4. Marital status of the applicant
5. When applying for a permit an individual must fill in an application form, pay a returnable deposit of QR 1,000 and state their religion
6. Applicant’s passport, or equivalent identification (a photocopy is acceptable)
7. Applicant’s residence permit (a photocopy is acceptable)
The QDC liquor store sells wine from all over the world, as well as a number of brand-name spirits and a moderate selection of beers with 10 to 15 different brands available. If you do not have a job you won't be able to apply for your own liquor license. You need to bring your passport or Qatar ID card to the bar to get entry. The QDC is also the only place that sells pork. You do not need a separate license to buy pork, If you have a liquor license you can enter the store and buy pork. Qatar has previously limited access to alcohol and completely banned pork meat in the country, as both products are considered haram, or unlawful, in Islam. But QDC, the only place where expats can purchase alcohol for home consumption, would begin selling the previously forbidden meat at its Doha location.
The QDC calculates your monthly quota of alcohol based on your salary. The total amount of product sold to any individual at any one sale is not to exceed 10% of his/her basic salary. QDC pays 100% landing tax on the import of all alcoholic beverages and no additional sales tax is added, making the prices reasonable, but higher than would be in your home country.
Qatar Distribution Company is in the Abu Hamour neighborhood close to Barwa Commercial Avenue and Safari Hypermarket. It’s hidden away in a backwards corner of Doha, but once inside the shop is cool, roomy and very well laid out.
Qatar Distribution Company Contact / Email
Address : Qatar Distribution Company,P.O. Box 9483 Abu Hamour ,
Doha, Qatar & Nr Qatar Technical College, Street 668, Al Maamoura, Doha
Telephone: (+974) 4469 9412 ,44687547, 44699413
E-mail : permit@qdc.com.qa
Qatar Distribution Company Timings
Working hours : Permit Office :Sun – Thu 8.00 a.m. To 7.30 p.m. (SAT 10.30AM-7.30PM), Shop Sat – Thu 10.30 a.m. To 7.30 p.m
Business Directory Entry for
Qatar Distribution Company : Click Here
