Alcohol returns to the Pearl

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDDD it's not back yet :|

I haven't visited the pearl since the ban.

Oh, yes, absolutely NM! There are AA meetings and churches in Saudi (shhhhh!)

Mandi

As a side note, there are plenty of alcoholics in Saudi. Although alcohol is banned there.

And no, I do not have any statistics or links, but I did live there and have seen quite a few. And not all of them were expats.

Actually, Alcoholics Anonymous has no position on banning alcohol. They would regard it as an individual choice.

Mandi

LOL....who said there aren't alcoholics in Qatar??

I agree Mandi. And making it harder to obtain alcohol is a step in the right direction.

Well, there are alcoholics in Qatar. And there are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Just so everyone knows. There may be an alcoholic out there who would like help.

Mandi

After you drink, better rest. Much better to just sleep. Good night!

you'll be happier! Satisfied now?

Its okay flor - I often times ignore most of your posts anyway ;-P

Give it a rest!

BUT you said "shop at QDC....". Tell me, are those shopping at QDC only for alcohol?

Anyway, just ignore it, you have no sense of humor!

can you quote him saying those who complains are ALL alcoholics?

wait, let me check!

I call them... a good laugh!!! :D

Once again you're out of topic flor - we are talking about alcohol not pork, understand?

An alcoholic is not someone who 'loves' alcohol. They have an ADDICTION!!!

So Flor1212 your just backing up 2020 when he calls all those who complain about the ban and who like alcohol...alcoholics.

Both as stupid as each other.

a person who loves alcohol-drinking?

others just want to eat pork!

Alcoholics are addicted to alcohol - not all people who shop at QDC are alcoholics.

the non-drinkers?

How do you define alcoholic, one who loves alcohol, right? When you say alcoholic, does it necessary means alcohol addiction? I don't think so.

The troll king is back.

?

oucht weeesht!!

Yes. They will. Too bad for you.

LOL

you are just unbelievable. No point in putting my point across and repeating myself.

Any intelligent person who reads these posts will realise who is right and who is wrong.

Are you saying that no alcoholics are complaining?

But yet the said alcoholics keep complaining.

Where have I said this? Show me the quotation.

It is more rude to spread lies and libel.

No I am more concerned to prove that not everyone who likes to drink alcohol on occasions and who complains about the ban are alcoholics. Which you have both suggest and now said.

Its rude and ignorant.

Why are you so concerned to prove that no alcoholics shop at the QDC?

You wrote "the said alcoholics..." and you know fair well that you didn't mean alcoholics in general or maybe your English is just that bad.

Of course in a perfect world there would be no alcoholics and in an even more perfect world there would be no judgmental, narrow minded people in it...but such is life!

Yes it is better for them to be alcoholics drinking in there homes than to do so in public. Better still not to be alcoholics at all.

And yes, the alcoholics would complain if their supply is cut. WOuld they not?

Alcoholism is a disease. You have just said;

"But yet the said alcoholics keep complaining. Best for them to do so in own homes instead of the public."

The reason I asked if you know the meaning of an alcoholic was to check that you knew what you were saying.

You say the people who are complaining about the ban are alcoholics. Get it now??

Closed due to technical reasons !!!! Lols. what a pity.

Where did I say "anyone who likes to drink alcohol has a disease"?

Please stop putting words in my mouth and then attacking me for your fabrications.

Do you know what libel means? LOL.

Ok if you know what it means then you are saying anyone who likes to drink alcohol has a disease.

nice one.

MT--Yes, I do.

Thought not.

Do you know the meaning of alcoholic?

But yet the said alcoholics keep complaining. Best for them to do so in own homes instead of the public.

I so totally agree..This whole debate is rather ridiculous

someone said the oryx hotel bar was packed with locals of an evening.

This subject is so boring now. Open, don't open, disapprove, approve. Like saudi, people will find ways to drink - that includes the locals

must be where you are coming from. dont take your country to be the whole world.

Who said that alcohol is not for families??? Dad + Mom drink Beer etc... Children drink Pepsi. That's what normally happens in ALL the world, except for Middle east of course... Reflect on that.

Not going to happen.

I have to say, I was fairly pessimistic that there were either 'technical difficulties' or even any plan to reopen, but having stopped off today I must say I am fairly certain that things are actually moving ahead.

I asked when it might open and the woman said, soon.

But there was obvious activity on the site.

So as they say in Jamaica, soon come.

Time to move on. Alcohol is everywhere and plenty of locals are drinkin it. Just call in at any one of the hotels that serve it--a hub of local activity.

hehe, the usual debate continues...

But if you want to say forbidden without a religious context it's mamnoo.

Mandi

Possibly electricity problems - hiccup in change over from diesel genny to mains power being cited as the reason for the closure.

By the way, 'haram' means 'forbidden'. It is a word of the Arabic language. It is used in a religious context, too, but that's not the original meaning.

The truth is haram!

Re the 2nd QDC Outlet in Medina Centrale.

1) It's not (quite) an April Fool

2) It did open - but briefly

3) It's closed - security say "technical problem, Sir"

I suppose if the trading licence had been pulled you could describe that as a technicality! Will we ever know the truth?

fubar--it's a highly debated subject. Islam is not uniformly practiced amongst all Muslims (we are talking about a billion people), just like Christianity.

QDC's decision to open up another branch is a good one. Their shop in Abu Hamour can barely cope up with the growing number of customers especially on Thursdays and they dont have enough parking space. The traffic in that area is getting worse as well. This move by QDC will benefit the customers from Al Khor and Ras Laffan, the West Bay and near by areas.

I'm not Muslim but from my googling, there seems to be a lot of Islamic websites that say that smoking (sheesha and cigarettes) is certainly haram.

Even if it isn't religiously haram, why would anyone willingly ingest a poison that they know will kill them?

If that isn't against religion, it should be.

Isn't smoking haram too in Islam or have I been misinformed?

beer is bad to your brain and liver, why not drink orange juice, goood thing im not a drinker so no problem hehe, i only complain if im affected, to tell the truth im starting to love Qatar despite my complaint

If grog wan't available here, I would move. I would feel violated, dirty and less of a man if I couldn't have a beer.

The smoking ban is in place but sometimes disregarded (less so now that originally).

seen a couple of ppl smoke inside the malls ( mostly local teens ) otherwise the ban has already been put in place. and the fine isn't cheap at all. a staggering Qr.20,000+ I heard.

No, some people smoke inside too...right under the no smoking signs.

But yes, the shop attendants smoke outside.

it is already in place isnt it?

Now they smoke outside the malls????

I'm still waiting for the ban on smoking in malls

If it's a call to ban 'anything' (not only alcohol) that kills then I will join him.

Aye!

Ah well it will be the same old shop al visit tonight then instead of trying the pearls new one!

They are both killers fubar, so we should applaud moves against either.

Alcohol certainly is, with a few exceptions, bad for your health.

However sadly cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world.

There are estimates that over 1,000,000,000 people will die from cigarette related causes in the 21st century. Far more than alcohol.

At present, tobacco kills some 6 million people a year, more than AIDS, malaria, and traffic accidents combined. Half of all life-long smokers will die from their habit. Every cigarette deletes seven minutes from a smoker’s life.

So while we can all complain about alcohol being a killer, let's not forget what is REALLY killing people in Qatar, and all over the world.

Well I’m happy to see Qatar imposing such ban on public consumptions of alcohol as I have already seen the massive cost of alcohol consumption on societies.

To the People who are saying the ban will ultimately affect the sales and image of the Pearl as international tourist destination.

Well. Almost everything has some positive benefits; the question is, do the pros outweigh the cons?

Most evidence suggests that alcohol is one of the leading poisons man ever put into their bodies and leads to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, violence against women, fatal accidents, dissolution of families.........hmmm

Cultures vary, and what strategies work and doesn’t work will as well.

Too good to be true.....Oh well. Crazy Thirsty Thursday drives are back on the calendar.

Thanks for the update Shabina921, A friend went to QDC pearl yesterday and he got some free gifts as being one the first customers!

Hi guys, it looks like QDC's run at the Pearl was a bit premature. They opened yesterday and then closed yesterday, citing "technical difficulties" to anyone who was asking.

The employee I spoke to said they're not sure when they'll be up and running again.

Will keep you posted.

Please let Doha News know if you hear anything on your end!

http://tmblr.co/ZJn_jxIuWh24

Marco looks like either your new to Qatar or just ignorant about what is going on here.

No you don't have to prove your Non Muslim before Alcohol is served or sold to you. I have plenty of friends lets not mention the world Muslim in case it starts into a Religious Thread? drinking along with me at many a places in Qatar.

I referred to Pork as Haram meat well this is what is called here my son. Most of the Westerners for the respect of the locals would refer Pork as Haram meat as not to offend the locals, as I've been told that some don't want to even say the word pork as they believe that their tongue will get dirty!

Middleast also has a very much liking of Western life style and Westen people specially Russians!

As a person living in Qatar, I can align myself to what '2022 has to say and add a point or tow.

First off There is no banning what so ever except drinking in public, as long as you are a non Muslim? These restaurants in Pearl catered them openly and they were curtained. There are bars/ 5 star restaurants where it’s free flowing and if you want to have it home or throw a party, you can buy it from Qatar Distribution Company if you have a permit for it.

Secondly, like every place, Qatar and most of Middle-east has its own religious/cultural sentiments and curtailments. You are expected to honor them while you are here.

...............................................This is what it should look like; at least appearances should be deceiving.

As I thought. Thank you for admitting.

is 2 + 2 not 5 ....Oh no! thats what I've been teaching my kids all these years!!!

No no...don't worry 2020 in real life I'm a low life, drunken Westerner who moans and bites the hand that feeds me silly!!

the ministry shut down the QDC the pearl branch yesterday until further notice!

epic...

Yes, snessy, some Muslims choose to do that. Kazakhstan has a national drink that has alcohol. But by culture, religion, and law it is not allowed in Qatar.

MT--how did I change my words to suit my argument. LOL. You are the one saying I accused 'ALL' who drink and 'Westerners' to be alcoholics. Even though I never used these words. Apparently when you cannot when the argument, you make up words for you opponent and then attack that. Such a sad thing. I hope you are not a teacher in real life. You will be saying 2 plus 2 is 5. ROFL.

sashyls--how is this contradicting. Or are you so racist that you do not believe Arabs can win places at UK and American universities? How narrow minded of you.

Muslims drink too, came across many whilst out on the pop myself. Also, hubby helped a Muslim guy out of his car after he crashed it whilst drunk as a skunk. Damn right, he ran from the scene (the Muslim guy not my hubby). This isn't me having a go at Muslims drinking, this is me saying it's not only Non-Muslims ruining it for others. Also, how many drivers who can't afford a permit get caught out at QDC buying for their Muslim sponsors? I personally saw a guy being arrested for this reason when I was there renewing my own permit.

hope you don't teach that to your local students! But I doubt it!

no you are not explaining you are changing ur words to suit the argument. My interpretation is not me putting words in your mouth.

Its okay we will agree to disagree as clearly when I see black you see white and vice versa.

bored.com

"btw--my English is sufficient enough to earn degrees at both top UK and top US universities. I know the difference between constructive criticism and the cultural arrogance that is rooted in racism

Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/2771806#ixzz1quIifTZA

Forgive me for my English, it is my third language.

Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/2772660#ixzz1quJOw1Dh

CONTARDICTING YOURSELF????????????????????????????????????????????

MT said "you just cant seem to admit when your clearly wrong."

Wrong about what? You misinterpreted what I said. I attempted to clarify. My position has not changed, only my attempt to explain it to you. At least I did not put words in your mouth and then criticize you for them. You, I am afraid, are the one in the wrong.

Has anyone actually been to this new QDC? Can we be sure that it's not just an April Fools's joke? That funny little map looks April Foolish to me.

Ok that was very lame comment from PG maybe it was Peter in the thobe at pearl. :)

The guy who told me he owns a restaurant at pearl and it can be asians or arabs but I did say its just a story and not necessarily true. But the reason they probably banned in pearl is it won't be a "family friendly" place and arab and muslims will not feel comfortable to come there with there family. And Qatar is a islamic state with majority of its population is muslim

hmmm Peter Griffin you have just showen me the first bashing of Qatari's/Muslims/Arabs :(

not cool

nothing about your English...your English is pretty good actually its your understanding.

Of course you would think im splitting hairs...you just cant seem to admit when your clearly wrong.

Your clarification would have been handy at the start then the misinterpretation would not have occurred.

I don't see the difference MT. I think you are splitting hairs.

To clarify: anyone who gets so angry and enraged about a restaurant not having alcohol has a serious problem. Annoyed or disappointed is fair enough, but enraged suggests a problem. That is my point then and now. Forgive me for my English, it is my third language.

Yes, max1986. At the Mango tree.

No, I suspect if anything, it was more likely locals dressed in Thobe that got drunk and misbehaved. Clever to blame it on westerners.

But who cares. I don't. So what? A local wants to have a drink at the Pearl, Ramada, Ritz Carlton... anywhere else.

When I last looked they were human too and have the same needs and shortfalls as everyone else.

LOL ....I heard, I heard..

we need evidence or we could all put a wee story up about "what we heard"

do you guys know why the ban alchohol in pearl? What I have heard its because some westren got really drunk and they were wearing thobe and disrespecting and abusing others. I m not sure if its true but the point is they banned it for the safety of its visitors from drunk local asians or westren.

2020- Read your own post!

And yes, my sense is that the ones who get enraged over the lack of alcohol have a real problem. Those who simply would prefer it, do not strike me as having a problem.

The above is your first statement, your last one is COMPLETELY different...

I think people who get very angry and rage about the lack of alcohol at a restaurant (or lack of anything not of necessity) has a problem generally. Maybe they are in denial. But on that we will have to disagree.

Changing and adding bits to help it fit your argument.

MT--read my post. "I am amazed at how violently angry some get at such things."

I think people who get very angry and rage about the lack of alcohol at a restaurant (or lack of anything not of necessity) has a problem generally. Maybe they are in denial. But on that we will have to disagree.

well its the way I took it. So who do you mean non-Muslims??

yeah you said some in your next post not in your first. If someone feels strongly about being able to drink in the Pearl, its doesnt mean they are alcoholics.

you can become addicted to lamb and it has no effect over your brain....I hope :P hah

MT--You clearly are choosing to misinterpret my post.

I did not say Westerners, but that is what you accused me of (falsely and rudely).

Read the word "some". I did not say "all". And yes, my sense is that the ones who get enraged over the lack of alcohol have a real problem. Those who simply would prefer it, do not strike me as having a problem.

How are the two different for the non-addict? Both are about preference rather than necessity.

2020, you say - But then I am not addicted to lamb and in need of a fix :-)

First of all I am not 'attacking' you and having a conversation.

Second of all....when you say I am not addicted and dont need a fix. Then this is suggesting that that people who want alcohol at the pearl do.

Finally...how can you compare alcohol to lamb??????

In other words, They just don't want Qatari people to be given to the chance of being able to drink.

They have implemented a good system at clubs that scans your Identification, they obviously will not implement this at all restaurants because it will just be insane.

I was always against this ban but in a way, maybe the young males in here are not ready for that yet. However, they will always find alternatives and the latest escape now is some pill they take to feel the stars. Sad but this is everywhere.

I think Banning alcohol is bad for business and for the western image of Qatar, but I agree that is safer unless if they implement a system on who is to consume it, which obviously won't happen.

Mitigation plan if you insist on getting plastered while having a meal:

http://www.brandedbiker.co.uk/Spidi-Motorcycle-Clothing/Spidi-Hydroback-Touring-Water-Container-and-Straw-5333

Olympic 2020 you are wrong.I don't prefer it with a meal am not an addict. ;)

Always rumors, but if it goes back it will be slow, strictly enforced and by steps. Never like before with the rowdiness, abuses and noise.

My guess is maybe in the inside only of some restaurants to start, but I see this not happening for some time.

Y every thread in QL turns into a war between epxats and nationals or west and east

MT--please read my post next time before attacking me personally.

My post does not include "Westerner"; nor does it say all who drink alcohol are addicts.

My point is to the "some people" who get violently angry over the issue of restaurants not allowing alcohol. I used the example of my enjoyment of lamb. I enjoy it, but do not get angry if a group of restaurants prohibit it. I suspect normal drinkers of alcohol are similar--they may prefer it with a meal but can manage without it and can go about there business without being enraged. Addicts are a different case altogether.

Rumour has it that some restaurants on TPQ will have their liquor licences reinstated later this month.

The new QDC outlet there does not have pork - only booze at present.

Good move. Less driving to get supplies for some.

I heard the Pork Section will open soon as well. Maybe in a few weeks?

I can't believe but I heard all these rumors from Qatari friends about how restaurants at The Pearl used to have pork on the menu, but now it's stopped.

You have to wonder how these rumors start, and who would be dumb enough to believe them??

You haven't been around long, have you?

What UKEng was posting was tongue in cheek. I don't believe he was trying to cause any trouble.

You will learn, that whenever these kinds of threads are posted, meaning alcohol and pork, those against both will come along and cause trouble. Its very rarely those that are for it that bring the bashing to the thread.

Standby and watch!!!

okay rant not over.....LOL

Marco: u say - Haram is a religious terminology. Now why would you wanna use it in a non-religious thread, well unless you’re looking to stir up some trouble?

why does religion always need to be associated with causing trouble? Isn't religion meant to be a peaceful thing when discussed between adults?

flor1212: use the water from the tap. I hear it follows in water tapes at the pearl!

: P

This is what I mean about disrespecting other people's culture.

2020, you say - But then I am not addicted to lamb and in need of a fix :-)

Yeah, I think its light hearted banter about westerners who drink. However, it still is disrespectful to the western society.

Yeah u get some westerners (a lot in Scotland)who are unwell and addicted to alcohol(alcoholics) but to tar all westerners with the same brush is the reason some members become offended and a nasty thread appears.

All the name of good fun yeah, Im up for a laugh as much as the next person, but remember that people may be offended at this generalisation.

Rant over! :)

but I have my project at The Pearl, so throw me a bottle, Ukeng!

UKngQatar. It's called pork.

Haram is a religious terminology. Now why would you wanna use it in a non-religious thread, well unless you’re looking to stir up some trouble?

Me too UK , my office is in Pearl :)

Arien for me it will the perfect location now, on my way back from the Golf club I can pop in pick up my supplies..

Thank God , dont have to plan a picnic to buy my bottles. . easier!!

I think it will much closer than to go Abu Humour, will they have the same variety? and will Haram Meat also be available?

2020 Olympics: Yesterday I was discussing this with a group of Danes delegates.

And imagine my astonishment when they told me they actually found the move by the Qatari govt to ban consumption of alcohol in public very wise and further contributes to making this country a safer place for families ( especially women and children )

Very interesting Marco. I agree that it is more family orientated for all nationalities to enjoy.

The restaurants that never served alcohol will prosper and the ones that relied on alcohol will either learn to adapt by making better food or will be replaced by restaurants that can.

I am amazed at how violently angry some get at such things. If someone banned lamb from the Pearl, I would simply not expect it on the menu and go elsewhere if I wanted lamb that night. I would not be angry. But then I am not addicted to lamb and in need of a fix :-)

....Middle East gains.

QATAR will be a major tourist attraction by 2020 in Gulf

2020 is still far away, till then you never know QATAR Opens everything for Expat... Fingers Crossed

cher - what are the delights of Saudi that I am missing out on?

Pearl Qatar; commercial interest in more than consumer interest. Have fun within boundary.

jjj75, I think the best place for you is Saudi Arabia.

will have an even better atmosphere when all the restaurants are shut - nice and ghostly

Thats right 2020 I can totally remember all those non-Muslim drunk expats roaming around the Pearl and causing havoc!! Thank goodness they can only consume it privately then spill into the streets!

The Pearl has a much nicer atmosphere for families without all the drunks spilling into the streets. Having a QDC there will allow non-Muslim expats to have alcohol for private consumption only .

umm ok, thanks for sharing this info

Your title is misleading. That is not for the restaurants or for the tenants. It is a new outlet of QDC where the permit holders can shop alcohol.

So, how can you say "Alcohol RETURNS to the pearl" .. I mean it is still banned at the Pearl Restaurants which was the major concern .. not the availability of Alcohol in the Pearl

I believe that more restaurants are closing by the minute - Gordon Ramsays Maze is the next to go I believe!