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How can I purchase liquor in Doha, Qatar?
In Qatar, liquor is much more regulated due to the very religious values of the country. Unlike in America where you may be able to stop by any liquor store whenever you want with a state ID, you must apply for a liquor license in Qatar and not everyone will be able to get one. Expats can apply for a liquor license through the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), which is the only legal distributor of alcohol in the country.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a liquor license and key eligibility requirements:
Steps to Apply for a Liquor License:
1. Prepare Required Documents:
• A valid Qatar ID (QID).
• A “No Objection Letter” (NOC) from your employer, printed on official company letterhead. The letter should:
• Specify your position and confirm your salary.
• State that your employer has no objection to you applying for a liquor license.
• Your employment contract or recent payslips (sometimes requested for verification).
• A completed application form (available online on the QDC website).
2. Salary Requirement:
• Expats are typically required to have a minimum monthly salary of QAR 3,000 or more to be eligible. This ensures that you can reasonably afford the items QDC sells.
3. Visit the QDC Office:
• Submit your application and documents in person at the QDC office in Doha.
• Pay the license fee (currently QAR 150 annually, but confirm as rates may change).
4. Approval Process:
• Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive a license card that allows you to purchase alcohol from the QDC.
5. Shop at the QDC:
• With your liquor license card, you can shop at the QDC store. Note that alcohol purchases must stay within your monthly allocated budget, which is a percentage of your salary.
What Could Prohibit You from Getting a Liquor License?
1. Salary Below QAR 3,000:
• If your salary does not meet the minimum requirement, your application will likely be denied.
2. Employer’s Policy:
• If your employer does not issue an NOC or has a strict company policy prohibiting alcohol consumption, you cannot apply.
3. Religion:
• Muslims are generally prohibited from applying for or obtaining a liquor license in Qatar. However if you are from America they will still accept you even if you identify as Muslim on your QID.
4. Legal Status:
• If you are not on a valid work visa or resident permit, you are ineligible to apply.
5. Criminal Record:
• Individuals with a history of legal issues, particularly related to alcohol or misconduct, may face challenges or outright rejection.
6. Non-Compliance with QDC Rules:
• Failure to follow QDC’s rules (e.g., resale of alcohol or sharing it with unauthorized persons) could lead to license revocation and legal consequences.
Important Notes
*Liquor licenses are issued for personal use only. Sharing or reselling alcohol is illegal in Qatar.
*Alcohol consumption is strictly regulated in Qatar. Public intoxication and drinking in unauthorized places can result in severe penalties including immediate deportation.