¿Necesita una licencia de alcohol en Abu Dhabi?

If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi or move there, it is essential to know if you need an alcohol license or not. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements for obtaining an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi and the implications of not having one. We will also examine the impact on those who have alcohol without a permit. Understanding these laws and regulations is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay in Abu Dhabi.

Alcohol-License in Abu Dhabi

Let’s explore all about Alcohol-License.

1) What is an alcohol license?

An alcohol license is a permit issued by the local government or municipality that allows for the sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in a particular area. It is important to note that alcohol licenses are regulated differently from country to country. Hence, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations in the location where you plan to purchase or serve alcohol. 

In Abu Dhabi, an alcohol license is required for any establishment that wishes to serve, sell, or manufacture alcoholic beverages. The permit must be obtained from the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism and Culture (ADTC) before the commencement of operations. This license is valid for a year and must be renewed annually. The fee for the permit varies depending on the establishment type, and the amount of alcohol served. Additionally, alcohol licenses may also be limited to certain types of establishments, such as restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.

2) Who needs an alcohol license?

In Abu Dhabi, anyone who wishes to purchase, sell, manufacture, store, or transport alcohol needs to have an alcohol license. This includes restaurants and bars that serve alcohol, retailers, wholesalers who sell alcohol, and anyone responsible for the storage of alcoholic beverages. All rights are issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The DTCM has strict regulations for those applying for an alcohol license. These regulations vary depending on the type of license being used and can include things like a good conduct certificate, financial statements, and a business plan. The application process can be complicated and time-consuming, so it is essential to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting your application. 

An alcohol license is not just limited to businesses; individuals who wish to transport alcohol also need a permit. Without one, they may be fined or even arrested if caught carrying alcohol without the appropriate license.

3) How to apply for an alcohol license?

If you wish to apply for an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi, you must complete a form and submit it to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. This form will require personal information such as your name, passport, contact details, and place of residence. After submitting the form, you will then be required to attend an orientation session on alcohol safety and responsible consumption, as well as pay a fee.

Once these steps have been completed, you will be issued an alcohol license. The process typically takes about two weeks, though it can take longer if there are any issues or delays. It is important to note that alcohol licenses are only issued to those aged 21 and over, and anyone with a criminal record may be refused.

4) What are the requirements for an alcohol license?

To obtain an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi, applicants must meet specific criteria:

1. You must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid passport, and be able to prove that you are a UAE citizen or a resident of the UAE.
2. You must have a good standing with your local municipality and present proof of address. You must also provide two passport photos, two personal references, and a no-objection letter from your employer or sponsor.
3. You must pass a breathalyzer test and obtain approval from the Ministry of Interior before being granted an alcohol license.
4. The applicant must pay the licensing fee and renew the license every two years.

It is important to note that all alcohol licenses are issued individually, so multiple people cannot share the same right.

5) What are the benefits of having an alcohol license?

Having an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi can be beneficial for various reasons. One advantage is that having an alcohol license allows you to purchase, store, and consume alcohol in designated areas without fear of breaking the law. Additionally, it is easier to host events such as weddings and parties where alcohol is served with a valid license.

Furthermore, having a permit can make renting out or purchasing property easier since most landlords require a valid alcohol license. Finally, having an alcohol license also enables individuals to buy alcohol at duty-free stores or online, which can help them ahorrar dinero. All in all, there are many benefits to having an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi.

6) What are the drawbacks of having an alcohol license?

The biggest drawback of having an alcohol license is its high cost. Depending on the jurisdiction, alcohol licenses can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. This can be a substantial investment, particularly for smaller businesses.

Additionally, alcohol licenses come with restrictions. For example, license holders may be subject to regulations on the types and amounts of alcohol that can be sold and the times when alcohol can be served. This can limit the scope of an establishment’s operations and the types of customers it can attract. 

Furthermore, local authorities may impose additional restrictions or requirements for those who wish to obtain or retain an alcohol license. For instance, businesses may need other permits or have their premises inspected by the relevant authorities. All this adds up to high administrative costs and potential delays in the licensing process. 

Finally, alcohol licenses are not transferable. If a business owner wishes to move or close the establishment, they must relinquish ownership.

7) Is there an age limit for alcohol license holders?

In Abu Dhabi, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol in any public place. In addition, those who wish to apply for an alcohol license must be at least 21 years old. An alcohol license is required to sell and supply alcoholic beverages in the emirate, and it is strictly prohibited for anyone under the age of 21 to do so. 

The licensing process includes submitting documents, such as a valid ID, proof of residence, and a NOC from the establishment’s owner, to the Department of Economic Development. The applicant must also pay a fee to obtain the license. As a result, minors are not allowed to apply for or hold an alcohol license. 

Overall, applicants need to remember that there is an age limit for alcohol license holders in Abu Dhabi. Anyone applying for an alcohol license must be at least 21 and have the necessary documents. Failure to meet this requirement can lead to severe consequences.

8) Can I get an alcohol license with a criminal record?

It is possible to obtain an alcohol license if you have a criminal record, although certain conditions must be met. To apply for an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi, all applicants must have a clean criminal record with no convictions related to public order offenses, dishonesty, or moral turpitude.

Your application will be refused if you have any previous convictions related to these offenses. However, it may be possible to apply for a waiver of this condition in some cases. This requires the applicant to provide evidence that they have been rehabilitated and are no longer a risk to society.

In addition, all applicants must obtain an ‘Attestation of Good Conduct’ from the local police station. This attestation proves that the applicant has not been convicted of any offense in the past six months. If the applicant does have a criminal record, it should be disclosed on the application form.

Ultimately, whether or not you can obtain an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi if you have a criminal record depends on the type of offense and the circumstances surrounding it. It is essential to disclose all information accurately and honestly to increase your chances of having your application approved.

9) How long does it take to get an alcohol license?

Getting an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi typically takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s circumstances. Generally, the process involves an application form submitted to the relevant authorities. Once the application is approved, the individual needs to ensure they have the necessary documents and fees before receiving their license. The license is then issued by the relevant licensing body and can take up to two weeks to process.

In some cases, however, it may be possible to obtain an alcohol license much more quickly. This could be done through specific promotional offers or other extraordinary measures sometimes put in place by local authorities. Ultimately, it is best to check with the local licensing body before applying for an alcohol license to find out how long it will take to get one.

10) What happens if I don’t have an alcohol license?

If you don’t have an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi, you can break the law and be severely penalized. You may be fined, face imprisonment, and deportation from the UAE. It is illegal to drink or possess alcohol without a valid license. Additionally, it is unlawful to serve alcohol to someone who does not have a valid license. It is important to remember that even if you are not consuming alcohol, owning it can get you in trouble. Therefore, it is essential to have a valid alcohol license if you plan on consuming or possessing alcohol in Abu Dhabi.

11) Can I get an alcohol license if I am not a UAE citizen?

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. Alcohol licenses in Abu Dhabi are only available to citizens and permanent residents of the United Arab Emirates. This means those visiting the country on a tourist or short-term visa are not eligible to apply for an alcohol license.

Although non-residents cannot apply for an alcohol license, they may be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from certain shops or restaurants in Abu Dhabi. However, it is essential to note that these establishments must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the authorities. Additionally, some areas in Abu Dhabi, such as Al Ain, have specific laws and restrictions regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Ultimately, obtaining an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi is only possible for UAE citizens and permanent residents. Tourists and visitors are advised to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages in the region.