Obtaining a Liquor Licence in Qatar

Bars and restaurants inside most hotels and some sports or leisure clubs are licenced to sell alcohol, although an extra charge of 17.5% tax is customary.

The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC, Tel 4469 9412 or 4469 9413) is the exclusive importers of alcohol in Qatar, and because the brewing of alcohol is prohibited, the only vendor of anything alcoholic. They are situated near the industrial area and are the sole location where those with a liquor permit can buy alcohol. In order to obtain such a permit, you need a letter from your sponsor stating your basic salary (excluding your housing allowance or other benefits) and a copy of your ID. You will also need to pay a returnable deposit of QR 1,000.

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. The shop does offer a good selection of 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. 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.

Please note: no children are allowed in the shop and that QDC is closed during the entire month of Ramadan (so you will need to plan ahead). You are allowed to purchase alcohol at the airport when leaving the country, but you may not bring any Duty Free products into Qatar.