Alcohol Laws in Bahrain
Not only is alcohol banned in Libya, but the illegal alcohol that enters it can be incredibly dangerous – in 2013, a bad “bokha” (a local beer made from fruits such as figs, dates or grapes) killed more than 50 people. This oil-rich country has extremely strict laws – and fairly severe penalties, including flogging for alcohol consumption. Although it is illegal for little people, the family of the Sultan of Brunei is known for holding extravagant parties that do not seem dry at all. Countries that currently ban alcohol are in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Not all laws – and the associated penalties for breaking them – are created equal. In fact, they vary greatly; Some countries, for example, allow foreigners to drink with a license, while others have zero-tolerance policies — and sanctions that include deterrents such as flogging. While non-Muslim residents can apply for a license to drink alcohol at home and a permit to drink it in licensed establishments, the culture of drinking here among non-Muslims – or non-religious Muslims – is huge. That is, the laws are still very strict – if you are caught drinking without a license or causing problems under the influence of alcohol, do not expect clemency. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and Shia religious holidays. Bahrainis are observing some religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in neighboring Gulf states. In fact, working in Bahrain has proven to be a wise choice for many foreign workers. Compared to other Muslim countries in the region, the country has a relaxed and friendly culture.
Of course, this would not be possible without certain rules and regulations. This article presents some of the general laws of the Kingdom. You can`t legally buy alcohol anywhere in Saudi Arabia, but that doesn`t stop some people from trying. Prison, fines, and even flogging are considered appropriate penalties for selling alcohol in the country, and foreigners are just as subject to local law as anyone else. Although they are illegal for Muslims – and severely punished (an Iranian couple was sentenced to death for their third alcohol violation) – the country`s Christian minority is allowed to drink and often distill Arak, a moonlight made from raisins. Of course, the unintended consequences of prohibition — from this unfortunate increase in organized crime to more women tipping alcohol than before — were quite shocking to supporters of the abstinence movement and the Anti-Saloon League, who had thought that banning alcohol would do us too. Well, no more sobriety and churches, no more gangsters and Lady Lushes. In Bahrain, alcohol is only available in hotels and through private licenses, which can only be sold to non-Muslims. Drinking alcohol in public is still illegal, and being drunk can actually get you thrown behind bars.
As a result, Bahrain has a mix of clubs and bars that reflect the different nationalities of the region. In addition, Bahrain is popular with travelers as alcohol is allowed on the island. Since most middle eastern countries ban alcohol, Bahrain attracts tourists with more flexible drinking rules. This has allowed a pub like JJâs Irish Restaurant to thrive as one of the best establishments in Bahrain. Another popular pub is The Warbler at Baisan International Hotel. In addition, the Council exempted the consumption of alcohol in private premises from the rules on the consumption of alcohol by amending section 307 of that Law in order to prohibit the consumption of alcohol only in public places. Accordingly, according to the amendment, section 307 will read as follows: “No person shall import, export, sell, possess, manufacture [or] offer any type of alcohol in public places and stores other than those authorized by the Minister of Health for the purposes of testing and scientific medical research.” (The Shura Foreign Affairs Committee bans alcohol and allows non-Muslims in certain places خارجية الشورى تحظر الخمر و تبيحه لغير المسلمين في الاماكن المخصصة [in Arabic], AL WAQT, April 30, 2010, available on alwaqt.com/art.php?aid=208209.) Prohibition-era America has experienced severe glorification in recent years. Last year`s film The Great Gatsby sparked clap-style dresses, Art Deco-inspired jewelry, a popularization of “speakeasy” bars, and a rush of classic cocktails that made strides in the beverage scene. But life in the United States wasn`t really fantastic during the Prohibition era. The alcohol ban, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, may have helped to get us beaten, but it also led to organized crime, which grew exponentially in the United States at that time due to an extremely profitable – and dangerous – black market for alcohol that flourished in the `20s.
The speakeasy culture that erupted during this period also included women – many women who drank a lot of illegal alcohol. Until then, women had not really participated in a public culture of alcohol consumption in the United States. Most public drinking took place in saloons – which were almost always exclusively male institutions. Hotels aren`t the only place where alcohol is served in Bahrain. There are many places such as clubs, pubs and restaurants that offer this drink. The Bahraini government has tried to ban alcohol altogether by adding more taxes on spirits products. For more alcohol supplies in Bahrain, here`s what you should know. Today, most countries that ban alcohol do so primarily for religious reasons. The thinking behind these laws is very similar to our own prohibition period and even to the counties in the United States that are called “dry counties” and still prohibit the sale of alcohol today.
Although not exclusively in the south, these counties are mostly gathered in the Bible Belt, where the idea of moderation still has a foothold. While alcohol used to be completely illegal here, the laws (and local customs) are now a bit more liquid. Hotel bars – while incredibly expensive – are legal, and according to our sources, there are also “sketchy” bars outside hotels. However, to bring a bottle home, you`ll need a foreign passport, although there`s also duty-free at the airport, and corruption will do wonders for locals who also get a bottle or two. India probably has the most complex alcohol laws of any country: alcohol legality and age restrictions depend on the state, there are many dry days in wet states, and age restrictions on drinking vary widely across the country. In Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and the island territory of Lakshadweep, alcohol is completely illegal. Bahrain is another beautiful and wealthy country in the Middle East. Most expats choose this country because of its unique features and unlimited possibilities.
If you are an expat who likes to drink alcohol to relieve your work stress, then you will like Bahrain more because it has different alcohol regulations. Alcohol is legal in Bahrain with a number of licensed and unlicensed bars, restaurants; However, drunken behavior in public or driving under the influence of alcohol violates the law, which punishes the offender with a fine or imprisonment and / or deportation and withdrawal of driver`s license. Physical assault and damage to public property under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment. Some of these laws may seem strict, especially if they don`t match those in your home country.