Ban on alcohol on The Pearl

Well maybe not but I am free to say whatever the "F" I want, do you have a problem with that?and stop acting like the little bitch you are.

that many times we work beyond 8 hours but not paid, does that concern you?

it's none of your business. MAybe my 100 is worth 1 QAR and your 1 is 100 QAR.

And it doesn't mean that you are not commenting here means you are working? MAybe you are on other channels or taking loooooooooooooooonnnnnnggggg coffee breaks.

So PLEASE, MYOB! CAn I get my life? Lol!

Flor, your average is something like 11+ posts per day. My average is slightly above 1 post per day.

Get back to work and justify your salary - in other words: GET A LIFE!

ask if you can include the alcohol in your requirements. That will solve the problem of your complaints.

Am I the only one in QL during office hour? How can you answer me if you are not here? Really pathetic people.

You think these good people will leave their hefty paycheck because they can not drink at The Pearl?

Is it hard to understand that alcohol is being banned in THE PEARL and not in the whole Qatar?

Peter, clap, clap, clap!

Monarchies of the Persian Gulf and their funny one-man show laws.

I put it to you that this ban will be lifted. These restaurants will have legally binding contracts which allow for the service of alcohol and after "talks" the authorities will buckle. It might take weeks or months but I can't see it lasting. Well let's hope so!

The topic is "Ban on Alcohol in the Pearl" and it turned out to "hate" to some of the people here.

Let's face it, Ban on Alcohol in the Pearl" has really an impact to the business in the Pearl and it has the same effect on any restaurant business in the world when it is being used to serve to the customers.

So Flor, your opinion may differ from most of the comments here. So be it. It is very difficult to keep on fighting with many vs one. Did you get my point?

For some QLers who commented here on the point that westerners are important in this country and to the one that the petrol pump workers or the others who do the blue collar jobs, we are all important here...from the smallest to highest position we may have....one cant move or succeed in every work we do without each other...so please, stop bashing!

Hope this thread will stop from here. Christmas is coming...let's keep the spirit of love in our hearts and set aside hate.

PeterGrifin - spot on! Couldn't have said it better myself.

LOL! Funny as it's. The Pearl restaurants are having action taken against them by the Qatar TOURISM Authority!!Holy Cow!!! I thought the whole idea of tourism was to encourage the tourists..who quite often will want to go out to places such as the Pearl to enjoy an outdoors meal AND a (mostly moderate) drink. /: And, of course, it's quite nice for those of us who live here to do the same.o_O!

Who knows how Qatar will cope with the throngs of football fans who'll want to celebrate during the 2022 World cup. I'm sure most of them will not want to quench their thirst with a 7 Up! If you want to play on the world stage you have to factor in the requirements of your global customers. ^_^

..you may find that the licenes are re-instated after the Arab games..just a thought that it may only be window-dressing.

And Flor - not all expat are western and white - what about the petrol pump attenndants and the Filpino shop assistants - if they left....?

But the crazy part is that the whole country would stop functioning if western people left. Like really dull Flor, imagine one day you wake up and you read in the news, All bank Directors gone, Petroleum decision makers and High profile investors all got a one way ticket, Franchise licenses broken, Real Estate company part owners vanished.

Do you have any Idea what would happen?

That might actually turn out to be good for you as your role is so little that you probably won't be noticed as hired for you to get fired no more...

"these same arrogant people who set their minds that this country will stop functioning if they leave" ..

No Qatar will end up with only 1 million Flors, who BS online all day and pretend they are working..

Ok Flor, you just said.

"really pathetic westerners who always thinks they are needed here and the country will stop if they leave, DARE!"

There's nothing more pathetic than a keyboard warrior wasting stealing money away from his employer doing nothing all day.

Having said that, if you leave.......... not a big deal!

Lol! Invite me once Padre, just a bottle!

I had a Beer in the Pearl last night..

It was the Pearl Lounge actually..:) So Alcohol is not banned in the Pearl, only at the Pearl..:)

these same arrogant people who set their minds that this country will stop functioning if they leave. And they leave because of what, ALCOHOL being banned at The Pearl? My my my!

time to lock the thread mods.........

Flor against all Qlers..

Oh poor Flor you still can't add a bit of common sense to your posts.

Now all you can do is bring in the colour issue.

A simpleton and a racist eh?

really pathetic westerners who always thinks they are needed here and the country will stop if they leave, DARE!

Although his name is Flor, he is actually of the male species....

its HIM not HER.

Haha! PeterGrifin I think that would be a good move :)

Flor, i don't know you.. and I am not a violent person usually.. but sometime I feel like extracting you out of my screen and do a (deleted) move on you..

what if they start asking for memberships at restaurants too lol.. that would be hilarious..

No sir, you can't eat sir, your membership has expired sir, sir you need to bring your passport sirrrrrr or Qatari ID so that we get you seated.

wait..But i just want soup.

Sir, sir.. sir, we have to follow the rules. Plus you can't wear Tshirt, it has to be a shirt.

thank you for your continued rants Flor, as Redtreble noted you have just proven beyond a doubt that you are indeed a simpleton!!! Return to your dunce corner!!

Umm.. a kangaroo is not a dog.. it's a marsupial.. just saying..

Umm.. a kangaroo is not a dog.. it's a marsupial.. just saying..

JD - Why not try answering the question that you've been avoiding responding to for a couple of days now, instead of constantly changing the subject?

Besides, my health is absolutely none of your concern. If I want to drink, it's got sweet fa to do with you.

Flor - I've been reading your responses and have come to the conclusion that you're a bit of a simpleton.

I heard that restaurant was the problem, so close mango tree and don't ban alcohol everywhere in the pearl. Give mango tree a ticket. Close it down. But why all restaurants?

By the way some of the comments on wine were incredibly ignorant. How can you compare a good glas of wine to smoking? A good glass of wine is good for the heart! There are countries like mine where wine is a millenary tradition, it's part of cultures and it since children we were given the ok to "taste" wine. That's why responsible drinking is not bad.

I think there is so much ignorance about the way people eat here that good nutrition is a sort of alien thing they never heard about.

So, extremes are never good, but giving a good glass of wine an idea of something bad is such an ignorant thing to do. Plus, certain dishes need the adding of wine, which is not for drinking, but yes for cooking because in cooking alcohol is often used to take away the fat and the food lighter.

Getting drunk on the other hand is never good, in nobody's culture.

I find worse the lack of respect of driving rules than drinking a glass of wine!

you should really be with the KAngaroo Dog as you have no place in civilized society!

Flor you are the only one posting without a ounce of common sense.....but thanks for the amusement you provide us with your rants!!

Don't worry guys, if this country wants to grow and attract more westerners then soon or later they have to change their rules like Dubai.. Otherwise who will be coming here... Glass of drink with meal is not the crime of century... Obviously exceeding the limit might cause crime...

Tell them to grow up..... This is the year 2011...!!!

I feel like getting a roll of toilet paper for her to wipe her mouth with its leaking out so much...

soiachino...WOW!! what an impassioned defence !!... and that too from a teetotaler...with an Epipen... lmao!!

John doe, you can believe me or not 'frankly dear i don't give a damn' but the fact is, that westerners are use to certain luxuries. If we have to deal with the bureaucratic difficulties of living in countries such as Qatar, a glass or 2 of wine or a beer with our dinner is the least we could have. it's not harming anyone if we have just one or 2 drinks, you can't get drunk over 2 drinks of beer or 2 glasses of wine. it is good for you, wine, in small moderation's but then again if other people who are not yourself or your kin want to consume it, then that's their choice. taking a hardline stance wont really do much good in convincing them otherwise, but that's their cross to bare so to speak. An whether or not my opinion, be it pro or not pro alocohol doesn't really qualify as a just reason to get my head checked "mate", perhaps if you took a step back and think more logic into your arguments you might be met with better answers from others. By the way i don't drink alcohol, I'm one of the few people in the world who are actually allergic to it. not just one, all in general. i have an Epipen with me at all times in case places use it in reduction cooking with their steaks or sauces i can't even touch cleaning stuff with it on wipes and have to make sure in hospital that nothing there is alcoholic based can be absorbed into my skin.

Flor, just because i've not been here long does not mean i'm not entitled to express my thoughts. i'm not saying that it's terrible that it's not being "Allow", just that the benefits of having it in an area where mostly expats congregate with friends and family, will maintain the unit prices of the pearl. and it's a shame that it's not permitted there any longer because owners will lose out on their arbitrary 10% profit they all seem to want on their rentals. but the post did merely start of as a question as to "whether or not it HAD been banned on The Pearl Qatar" and the answer is "yes it has", i dont see why everyone is getting so worked up about this. It's just one venue, it's done, khalas, get over it. it's cheaper to buy from QDC anyway and more entertaining to share it with friends and family at home. I'd be interested to see how many expats on the island (The Pearl) who go and stock up at QDC, the place would be packed now! lol.. hahah would not be surprised to see the prices in QDC going up because of it either (profit the root of all evil). guys you need to stop fighting over the good vs evil of booze lol, start a new post i think this one has had enough lol. (>.

@redtreble...

It seems that you have answered your own question.... why do you want to have alcohol in moderation? It doesn't do you any harm....does it?

oh and can you define 'in moderation'in the context? is it a glass or half a glass? or a bottle perhaps? is it used in moderation only for people with potential stress/blood pressure problems?

I am all ears, redtreble....do post any authentic links (if you can) that prove beyond all doubts that alcohol consumption is absolutely harmless to a human being...

* Like it ORRRRRRRRR! *_^ u already know the other half of the line by heart.

and the comments and analyze and you'll know why. But if still you don't know why, then that's your problem, not mine!

how many have fallen overboard after having a drink or two at the pearl? How many have just fallen in the water thinking it was the car park?

being banned on RESTAURANT at THE PEARL!

Hellooooooooooooo!

Next topic please!

OMG, I am going to puke.

if you want, open a thread about banning it in the whole country and we'll discuss it separately!

I think you are lost, The Pearl is NOT Qatar, it's PART of QAtar.

I presume he's also happy with the revenue that alcohol consumption brings into Qatar? Total hypocrisy.

BUT i will answer you straight, NOPE. Because I have a lot of respect for those who can't live without it. It's their choice in the same way that the state has it's choice.

But remember, it's their house, their rules. Stay util you can tolerate the intolerance, if you have enough, then you know what to do! Unless they stop living if they lost you here or if they can't find a better replacement! If that's the case, then ask to be included in your contract, you don't want the brew, you want the brewery! Lol!

I see you just keep ignoring my original question John Doe. Surprise surprise.

And for your information, if you could be bothered to do any research, it's been proven that alcohol in moderation can be good for you. Check out the medical research on what a glass of red wine a day does for lowering stress and blood pressure.

lol...surprising to see some idiots advocating qualities of drinking alcohol... you need to see a psychiatrist, 'mate'.

the usual, just to post nonsense! Supporting an "expert newbee".

oh that's just great, now my local friends will ask me to buy from QDC....grrrrrr

well i've only been in Doha for like 8 months. But i don't think it's been a "New thing". Either way, sales on the Pearl will suffer dramatically. I think there would be less of an issue with it, if they didn't serve the booze outside the restaurant where it would be visible by onlookers who are just visiting the pearl. If they had restricted to just serving it INSIDE ONLY, it might have been ok. Sad thing is that the Pearl was as close as most expats got to feeling like they were back at home dining in a "5 star" venue, you know having a glass of wine with ya meal and stuff. Awell, more money for the hotel venues now i guess :). Lol, i wonder how many units will be up for sale in the next few months from the pearl if the ban continues.. On the plus side we will get a Spinnys here soon :).. i wonder if they will have vegemite Hmmm....

has alcohol been served at the Pearl since the restos opened or was it only recently that they started selling it?

...*sigh*...

I live on the Pearl, and yes the Boozing is outta commission here for the time being, if not ever again. My Husband is the one who DEALS with all the complaints from all the owners on the pearl in regards to the value of their property now going on a downward slide.. I do agree on pretty much most of the logical arguments put forward about the advantages of keeping the "masses happy" expat or otherwise via drinks being served in the restaurants on the Pearl.

The property here isn't really that great quality and finish wise (believe me i know, i hear about it every day from owners) and now with the discontinuing of wine and simple beers it's not going to get much better.

Rents will start to fall because less people will want to pay exorbitant rental price, to live in an area that hasn't got any affordable consumer options or will want to regular any "5 star" award winning franchised eateries; who don't have the capacity to serve alcoholic drinks.

I think, most of the people who are trying to play the religious or cultural arguments have some valid points in regards to the over consumption of alcohol in Qatar by their kindred; Who then go speeding off in their big black over sized SUV's causing accidents. The issue here is not "Why Alcohol should or shouldn't be banned", the fact is that it 'IS' Banned on the Pearl Qatar.

and YET again Flor misses the point and goes off on one of his silly pointless rants....well done for the amusement yet again Flor....Well said skittles, but be careful the nay sayers like Flor won't like it because you didn't say something nice and fuzzy about Qatar!!!

we are talking of The Pearl here, NOT the whole QATAR!

MAybe you are really DRUNK! You are not in your normal mind.

that all experts are alcohol-loving people? Is there a monopoly of experts that all needs to be wine or beer drinkers? If that is your mentality, I would prefer this country remain "backward" in your belief than hiring the kinds of you!

I'm not sure about that statement that Jesus drank wine? But if he did, was he in preaching mode?

Don't bring the name of our Lord in this nonsense argument?

OR ARE YOU A DRUNKARD?

Well said Skittles007

Superbly put Skittles. Now let's see if the penny drops with some of the idiots on here. I won't be holding my breath.

once the cops are out their on the so called border breathalysing people coming out of the pearl will also sound the death knell of all those restaurants.. what say?

believe me some of us are here, because we have to be, when your career moves you overseas to train and educate employees hoping they reach the level that the company expects them to reach. statements like "if you don't like it leave" don't apply.we aren't here because we want to be here or because OUR COUNTRY can't provide for us, we are here because QATAR pays triple for people like us, because believe it or not we are experts in our fields and we bring top results in every area of buisness and we know the meaning of "CUSTOMER SERVICE". this country needs a lot of work and training to reach half of the standard that we expect back home.while I agree there are some cultural differences that one has to respect since they are in a foreign country, however, this country needs us more than we need it and I I think it should be a two way street, you want us to come here then I'm sorry adapt to our needs as well. "JESUS DRANK WINE"enough said

That wasn't my question and you know it. If I want to drink alcohol, how does it impact you?

Perhaps I should answer for you as you obviously seem incapable: It doesn't.

lol... oh wait...sorry abt that....let me get a 2-year-old to answer your profound query about the benefits of alcohol....

Just as I expected, a stupid response to a question you can't possibly answer.

it will give you x-ray vision...

burqas dont stand a chance...

John Doe, if I am not a Muslim, how can alcohol be Haraam for me?

alcohol is haraaam... good decision taken by the Defenders of the islamic 'moral' values....

Mc donalds gets its revenue from the coke and fries they sell...not the burgers they sell

shame...

You have mis-read me. I am for all things in moderation. Why not live and let live?If the country meeds forigners then compromise a little and let everyone enjoy their life.Its not compulsory and so of you don't wat to drink it or eat other stuff you don't have to.I have a lot of local friends who cannot wait to go abroad on vacation and live a more liberal life. Where are the double-standards? You cant just keep trotting out the same old line "if you don't like it..."What happened to tolerance? It seems that some people want one side of the equation without the other. Just my opinion, or am I m=not entitled to one?

There is not a single law in Qatar that legalize the sell of Alcohol

The sell of alcohol was allowed to certain extent through Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways & its subsidiaries

The loophole in the constitution is that Islamic law A source of legislation , but not the only source.

However, Qatar Panel code articles 270,272 & 273 clearly Provides for a sentence of up three years for anyone who trades Alcohol. A lawsuit in this instance can only be possible through the public prosecutor

Now that the parliament election will finally take place in 2013, there is great possibility that many PMs will include the prohibition of alcohol in their election program

Unless authorities take a step to regulate the sell of alcohol, there is always a possibility of lawsuits

While i don't mind the sell of Alcohol to a certain extent, i salute the government for taking this step to please the public & embrace the local culture

Moderate Islamist are winning throughout the Arab world, we welcome them ( if that's what the people want)

irritates the authorities. It seems that you think that all expats are alcohol-loving people and if they forbid it at The Pearl, this country will go broke. If you see the term, "if you don't like it, then you are free to leave", you get angry. But if the alcohol is banned, you want to go, what's the real score?

Get a life!

were going wild - pished off the locals who complained. Agree with the others - total hypocrisy - either ban it totally or allow it. Why is it ok to sell it for a profit at QDC but not to let restaurants do it?

Anyway, was in the Ramada last night - plenty of locals enjoying a beer there. And won't bother with the Pearl now - cancelled my booking at Maze on Thursday nite when they gave me this news and sorry to say mor biz will close down.

well said.

I amm sure many have said before, if all the XP left, no food on the shelves, no petrol in the cars, no ....

I cancelled my booking on Thursday night and went to the RC. And I won't be the only one. The management of this country has to make a decision re liberalisation.Why are the flights to BGK etc always full...?What can they get therethatthey cant get here? Btw, was in the Ramada last night and plenty of locals in national dress drinking beers.What is so bad about that?

I cancelled my booking on Thursday night and went to the RC. And I won't be the only one. The management of this country has to make a decision re liberalisation.Why are the flights to BGK etc always full...?What can they get therethatthey cant get here? Btw, was in the Ramada last night and plenty of locals in national dress drinking beers.What is so bad about that?

I cancelled my booking on Thursday night and went to the RC. And I won't be the only one. The management of this country has to make a decision re liberalisation.Why are the flights to BGK etc always full...?What can they get therethatthey cant get here? Btw, was in the Ramada last night and plenty of locals in national dress drinking beers.What is so bad about that?

t_coffee - As you have absolutely nothing constructive to say and seem to have the debating skills of an amoeba, I'm off for lunch. And guess what? Not at the Pearl!

have a look at me undermy Youtube under search of ... Fat Aussis Ba**tard, im not a racist,,,, that should make your day

Locals were really pretty ok with it until other locals (In white robes) started frequenting these restaurants and drinking by the buckets.

This country stinks with hypocrisy.

I think we are all a little disappointed about some of the resturants in the pearl stopping selling alcohol because it will lead to closure, just a shame that is all

Ohh dear me kids nowadays don't know what sarcasm is and specially on QL

but the locals are also complaining.

So who do you think will be heard first? So you think the State will dare to please the expats and displease their local people? In the first place, we are just talking of the Pearls here, not the whole country! And they are not banning alcohol all the way!

What's the real score here, the drinking? The show-offs? The ranting? What?

on the flip side, you will save some of those hard earned money and go drink back in your country at a much cheaper rate....

Good move Qatar. Let's piss off the expats some more, the people that actually run this country and make it what it is. What forward thinking.

And to those of you saying what a great move it is, let's ban alcohol everywhere, how about minding your own business for once? What does it matter to you if I want to drink (responsibly) in a restaurant in the Pearl?

t_coffee - Why?? Seems I'm pretty grown up and can express my opinions positively and comprehensively without having to resort to lines such as 'grow up' or 'if you don't like it leave'. Infantile in the extreme.

Dottie you seriously need to grow up.

But if they take away the reason for people frequenting these businesses, there will not be any for you left to visit. you can't say, i am glad they are banning smoking and drinking and not making any money but I am sure they will survive even without it - does not make monetary sense for business owners.

t_coffee - yes of course I've heard of sarcasm......and I've also heard this same old line a million times before. Yawn. Have you not heard of originality & wit?

precisely I said, hope these restaurants will not close down! I have only visited one, I like to visit the others.

Grow up kids have you not heard of sarcasm.

Flor - did you misread my post -pubs and bars closed as a direct result of the smoking ban and new ones DID NOT take their place. It is simple economics, if you have no customers you will go bankrupt and what I was trying to point out is that i believe if they continue not to serve alcohol these businesses will go bust.

And flor, you give one small expample which does not make a trend. I am talking about a trend, it has happened all over the UK, not just in one village

WOW t-coffee I haven't heard that line before....is that the best you can come up with...

if it can be implemented in UK, why not here? MAybe they realize that it will be better for more people to stay healthy out of smoke and alcohol. There will always be alternative business for healthy people.

Back in our country, there was this couple who owns a Sari-sari store (variety store like a small supermarket here) and a small eatery. Their business is really booming or shall we say more than average in earning until they become a member of our church and since alcohol are forbidden in our church, they were told to stop selling alcohol. In a short period, maybe their income become less (in Philippines, alcohol sale is really big even for small stores like theirs), but did they close down, no, they have establish more eateries without alcohol and another two stores for their children.

Anyway, let us see what would be the real effect of this instruction from the ministry! I hope the restaurants there "survive". Good morning!

t_coffee -oh blah blah blah. Trot out the same old thing. Grow up!

Agree with jjj75. Potential investors will not want to set up businesses here when the rules change daily. It takes them a lot of effort and a long time to recoup their set-up costs and outgoings. That's simple economics. So don't say - 'Oh poor Gordon, he can just go and set up in a 5* hotel instead'. OK, so Qatar is a booming economy, but so are India & China - there are plenty of opportunities for investors outside Qatar. It's my bet that they will have to rethink this pretty soon, or it's going to be a disaster for the Pearl.

Whats the fuss is all about..... Its their ship their rules if you don't like it leave :)

Exactly Dottie - I was at a party last night - everyone said the same - no booze no go. AND before anyone bleats that non drinkers go there, i have yet to see that, every time I go, there was not one table that was not ordering an alcoholic drink and that includes the locals too

Well as I said, I won't make any effort to go to the Pearl now, and many of my friends feel the same. So it seems pretty obvious to me that a lot of people will stop going and therefore trade is going to suffer badly. I'd rather go to Souq Waqif where there is a much better atmosphere and more interesting things to see and great people watching opportunities. I will exercise my choice and choose not to go there, simple as that.

Also flor have you any idea of the amount of money it takes to set up a restaurant - particularly here where sponsors have to be paid off etc Years probably and do you think big investors from abroad are going to want to sink more money into another project in a hotel when the other one has failed due to the authorities deciding on a whim to take away their license to sell alcohol. How can they be assured it is not going to happen again?

flor1212

I will give you another example and i am glad you brought the smoking thing up. When in the UK they banned smoking in bars and pubs, some 'enlightened' people thought it would increase trade and were happy. However, pubs and bars are shutting down in the UK as a direct result - most people just did not want to be bothered to go if they could not smoke with their drink. You may not see a problem with that but in rural communities it was the heart and soul of a village where everyone came together. I am not saying that is what the pearl is there for but you take away one of its attractions and people stop going, no customers = no money = bankrupt business.

I would love someone who has been for a meal yesterday or is going today to comment - how many people are there compared to last week or week before - it will be interesting?

a debate between a smoker and a non-smoker.

But I really could not see the logic that without alcohol, restaurant business in the Pearl will shut down.

There are two 5-star hotels within the vicinity of The Pearl. Alcohol is still allowed there, right? So, maybe Gordon should put another branch there? Just a thought!

Anyway, enjoy your drinks!

Going back to your last sentence Corcaoich, is that the rationale behind allowing alcohol in the Pearl???REally, coz it's man made? reference plz

The problem is that you can argue that alcohol won't make or break these restaurants (I believe it will do nothing but harm). Let us just say that for the moment. AND let us say that those that went to these restuarants only had one glass of wine/beer each - again not enough to make or break profit margins. BUT what it does do is deter people from going and NO customers = businesses closing down. Whenever I have eaten at the pearl, every table was ordering an alcoholic drink (not to excess) and if they cannot have even their one glass of wine with their pasta they will simply vote with their feet and go elsewhere. i cannot drink at the moment as I am pregnant so it makes no difference to me but as my husband said to me yesterday, that is another venue off the list and we are simply not going to go if he cannot have a glass of wine, we will go elsewhere.

That does not even take into account all the people who might think twice about renting, why be so far out of town when you can be closer to hotels who will serve a drink. Also, new restaurants will think twice about setting up which = empty lots. Not a good look, soon to be the new attraction in town, Ghost town at the pearl (but then again they will charge a fortune to get in and no one will go)

Some time ago I went with some friends for a meal at Les Deux Magots on the Pearl, asked for the wine list, none available. Meal was OK but I haven't been back. Been to Carluccio's many times, pretty sure I won't go back again either in view of this decision.

This will be catastrophic for many restaurants as many others will react as I am doing and no doubt the rules will be changed again once the sponsors start bleating! It is said that the rationale for Pork and alcohol on the Pearl is that this was NOT part of the natural land on Qatar being man made. Stand by for some legal gymnastics on this matter.

Some time ago I went with some friends for a meal at Les Deux Magots on the Pearl, asked for the wine list, none available. Meal was OK but I haven't been back. Been to Carluccio's many times, pretty sure I won't go back again either in view of this decision.

This will be catastrophic for many restaurants as many others will react as I am doing and no doubt the rules will be changed again once the sponsors start bleating! It is said that the rationale for Pork and alcohol on the Pearl is that this was part of the natural land on Qatar being man made. Stand by for some legal gymnastics on this matter.

If we apply your theory of making Profitable Business & no care for other human Value.

Why not to sell drugs (weed / hasish ) They will also make really profitable business Earn lot of money. Great Idea ?

& make it mandatory to smoke in restaurant while eating because some people like it ... make business profitable. who cares about side effects

Come On ... Even the person who smokes & drinks know how harmful these things are .. They are really weak ... they can't control themselves to get rid of it..

So in that case Gov have to set some rules ..

Hope you understand.

Alcohol sales account for approximately 15% of a restaurant's revenue. That much of a margin can be make it or break it for a business. And it certainly would be a deciding factor in whether or not to open a restaurant that typically sells alcohol. And BTW, I'm not advocating for alcohol, just consistency. I don't drink - consistently!

Mandi

I Agree with Flor1212.

MAndi am sorry but i dont agree that a business will be closed cos its banned from selling alcohol. for example Gordon Ramsey's Maze, Its a famous restaurant & many people might not be able to go & enjoy the experience in it cos its selling alcohol, people who is origin of this country & people who is following same regulation of this area. On the other hand there is people who goes there to enjoy a glass or two with a meal, people who came to this country to work or to visit for temporary period.

Emma

FLor: I'm not sure I understand your first sentence - I think you are saying that western businesses (or people??) are going to be coming to Qatar whether they like it or not, owing to the strength of the economy?? I'm just not so sure that foreign investors will be too keen to throw down the cash to invest in an unstable environment.

As to the point about restaurants providing alcohol - I'll let you in on a secret. I don't drink alcohol at the local restaurants. It's too damn expensive. I'd rather by 5 times more and consume it at home. But I also don't eat out that much. I prefer to entertain. But having said that, when I do go out to a nice restaurant, it will be in order to enjoy good food AND good wine. So from now on I won't be dining at The Pearl. I'll be at one of hotels. Whatever - The Pearl was a pain in the ass to me anyway and I hardly ever went there.

At the end of the day, no one really knows how this will end up playing out. But if we stick around and watch, we will find out sooner or later. Either the ban will be lifted, or it won't. And if it isn't, then we'll get to find out just how important booze was for these places in attracting clientele.

Western economy is going downward while Qatar's economy is upward. Now if that is fake or somehow made to look that way, I am not an economist.

Now if you will tell me that a restaurant business is somehow a "hostage" of the necessity for a booze, then let us just AGREE to disagree.

BTW, I drink! Occassionally, definitely my way, not the western way! In the first place, I am NOT a westerner. Lol!

Out of curiosity, if the state decided to rule that every person will have a limit of 200ml of wine or beer or whatever alcohol, will that be a good compromise? Will complaints stop? Will they want more?

I agree Fubar, rules seem to change ad hoc. Qatar is still a developing country that has a long way to go. I have read about the 2030 vision but I doubt that there is solid strategy to reach that vision.

I agree that we should follow the rules of the country, that is why I will enjoy my christmas holidays back home with good glass of wine.

PS - here is the feedback from expatwoman.com

I'm not going to claim that this is representative of ALL expats, but for many, why would they trek all the way out to the pearl for food and no booze?

Thank about it - if only a few people were ordering alcohol at the pearl, no one would have been complaining and it wouldn't have been banned. Logically it only follows that so many people were ordering alcohol that it enraged the local community - therefore the amount of money the restaurants were pulling in from alcohol sales must have been substantial.

http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=167096

I'm not so sure Flor. The usual markup on alcohol in the restaurants in Qatar seems to be about 5-6 times, compared to what it's sold for at QDC. So the 40 QR bottle of wine I can buy at QDC costs me over 200 QR in a restaurant. That sounds like a pretty good profit margin to me, considering it's basically non-perishable and requires no preparation or attention, unlike foodstuffs.

Aside from that, a lot of people will consciously chose a restaurant that serves alcohol, even if the food is better at a place that doesn't serve alcohol. I can cook a meal at home just as I can open a bottle of wine or beer at home. If I'm going out, I'm looking for both.

So from my point of view, I am with Mandilulur on this - for some restaurants, this can make the difference between making money and going bust.

And on a broader note, this is reminiscent of the out of the blue decision that banks like QNB, Commercial and Doha Bank were just told overnight that they were to cease their Islamic Banking Operations. Whether or not the government has a right to change rules on a whim or not, it doesn't indicate an economy that will give investors confidence. If major rules like this continue to be changed without public consulation or advance notice, it isn't going to be the best steps forward in creating an investor friendly environment.

but think 100 times before putting up a business. Everything should be in black and white. Never presumed. This is not the WEST.

MAndi, I doubt that study that without alcohol, business will go bankrupt! I doubt it very much!

And I thought Gordon's asset is food, not alcohol.

No, but for a country's economic development there has to be consistency of rules and laws. If a restaurant opens under one set of rules - for example, Gordon Ramsey's Maze - having done a profitability study with the understanding that a large percentage will come from the sale of alcohol, that restaurant may not survive without the sale of drinks. At the least, other businesses will see the instability of the business climate in Qatar and re-think plans to come here.

Mandi

Am 100% with this decision. Alcohol is not a criterion for development to a country. Visitors & Expats should ALWAYS respect the REGULATION of the country. Hope it banned from Hotels soon as well.

perfect to explore. It's unpredictable!

But you all got the keyword, REGULATION!

Remember, Qatar is studying the mistake made by Dubai! And it's a fact that one of the biggest headache of Dubai is ALCOHOL. In fact, not only in Dubai, but in the whole world.

And RAven, before I answer your question about Australia, can you first tell me what "insecure" means as used by the post made by Prince?

Good Move ... qatar don't need alcohol related problems ... "drunk drivers" etc

I for one really don't understand the point of first serving liquor and then suddenly stopping it. As if its a trial and error period.. I see people enjoying a couple of drinks with their food and there is no harm in it.I don't suppose any restaurant is going to serve you for you to get drunk. I'm sure there is a limit to the drinks being served on the table. The rules in Qatar very unstable.. Well Qatar ha still a very long way to go..

If you want be part of the global economy than you have to accept some rules, whether you like them or not. If you change rules from one day to another, that is fine but then do not be surprised that people and investors will eventually go elsewhere.

One step ahead..three back. way to go Qatar

Choice, that would be the keyword then....not a popular one, I am afraid.

Yeah, put simply, rubbish. Decide one way or another, don't keep chopping and changing. Personally, I've never seen any problems associated with alcohol at The Pearl or locals drinking there. What's the big deal? We were considering moving there, but considering this new development, may think again....

Eating pork or drinking alcohol no matter your background is a CHOICE not a requiremet. Choose not to order either, choose to order one or the other or both. The choice is yours. I choose not to be a bully when driving on D ring road. Others do not.

Maybe it is because of the WPC and visiting delegates

draft orange juice :D

I think it might be overturned sooner. now there is an argument about the fact the pearl having an offshore status which makes the constitutional bit not applicable

In the long run, it will probably lead to a better legislation. Drink is here to stay - the only thing is to decide how to properly regulate the sales.

It won't last, jjj. The Qatari investors who poured millions into opening restaurants on The Pearl will be livid at this. They will petition whoever and the ban will be overturned in a few months. At least that's my bet. There might be stricter conditions of sale or something, but the booze will almost certainly return when the furore has died down.

They will have to change it back to how it was, or the restaurants will simply close down as they will lose money. They make a HUGE amount of profit from selling beer & wine. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Gordon Ramsay finds out, he'll be furious!

And no, alcohol isn't super-important to Westerners Flor1212, but for many of us our enjoyment of a meal out is enhanced by a nice glass of wine or two. A civilised little drink, not to get really drunk & stupid. I, for one, will not bother driving across Doha to get to the Pearl for a mediocre meal if I can't have a glass of wine with it. I'll just continue to go to the hotels.

The problem with Qatar is that it seems to make decisions on a whim, and they change from one day to the next - nobody knows what to expect, and there is no recourse if the powers that be decide to enforce a new law. Just like that.

Not quite sure how they are going to appeal to people to live at the pearl - lots of expats there enjoying a glass of wine with meal. Not like the pearl is near anything else and this was its USP (unique selling point). Another misguided decision which will end up in restaurants closing down.

Was in carluccios 2 weeks back for saturday lunch, packed with families enjoying quiet lunch with glass of wine/beer, wonder how busy it will be tomorrow?? interesting

Good Steps , wish same to hotel

You saying Aussie is insecure Flor?

Fewer drunks on the road can't be a bad thing!

I just wonder if this ban won't be 'resolved' at the end of the Arab Games...

let them those who want drink at home. They will be less of a public nuisance....

is not insecure?

But doesn't that just bring things back to the way they were before? They will drink at home....you can't stop people from doing what they want to do.

alcohol tolerance is now a measurement of backwardness or progress of a country?

Well said Fubar

The cynic is me thinks that the issue simply boils down to an increase in the number of locals who are now drinking. A few years ago there was the odd national in a bar or restaurant drinking discreetly. Now you see them en masse in every bar and restaurant freely enjoying beer and wine and whatever else they can get their hands on.

I don't think the issue of whether this creates a welcoming environment for expats or will make property at The Pearl more or less attractive has anything to do with it. Qataris are getting tired of seeing other Qataris drunk.

Cast your mind back to the last high profile place to have alcohol pulled - Amigos - and why.

which pub?

the country in as much as it want to attracts certain kinds of nationalities, the alcohol issue is always a factor to consider. Since alcohol is the least, I would sa a measurement of tolerance, giving-in too much or too little will always be a big debate. Once the state, shall we say become "too" relax, comes other western-style lifestyle that don't suit the culture.

The incidents in Dubai are the proof that there should really be a compromise on the VISITORS, Not on the host!

Whats next? Ban alcohol from the pubs?

Genesis, I think the controversy arises out of not being clear about what is "on" and what is not...one day it's this, the next day it's that.

Clear rules, printed , stated and enforced would make life easier for all concerned, IMHO.

Just because there are some Qataris who drink, doesn't mean the whole population accept it.

The total negligence of the local norms the past few months through advertising for alcohol in public had caused the backlash.

Now i think that authorities would regulate the sell of Alcohol at the pearl , but i highly doubt that a total ban will take place. Restaurants like Gordan Ramsey's Maze and other can easily pull out.

Meh... QDC sells pork and some restaurants don't sell wine. I'm happier with the pork.

Who else will live in the Pearl ? Look at what happens to Dubai Marina and Juleirah Beach residence. Don't you guys learn from each other ? Imagine what happens to the rental prices if the nearby developments will come on the market. Or Lusail ?

Walk at around at the Pearl between around building 8 (Vodafone shop). Count how many (interesting) shops you find and how many lots are empty. Moreover, count the numbers of customers. The only place that is crowded is second cup on the other side of the Pearl.

Regarding, alcohol. Hmmmm, is that the reason why my Qatari friends at work go to Beirut, Bahrain or Dubai to enjoy the "local culture" ?

As a result of the constant local complains in social media , two weeks ago prominent legal expert Dr. Hassan Al Sayed written an article calling the General prosecutor to press criminal charges against local establishments that sell alcohol in Public as its unconstitutional.

As the Emir have announced the parliament election will take place in 2013 & the constitution now enabled. What's written in the constitution over the prohibition of selling alcohol in public is obscure. Thus, i doubt QDC or 5*star hotels will be effected

So far the only action taken was by Qatar tourism Authority against restaurants at the pearl according to this article published on Thursday in Al Sharq newspaper

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ar&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=ar&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fal-sharq.com%2Farticles%2Fmore.php%3Fid%3D268550

so anyone can buy for personal consumption in their home, not in a public restaurant (as defined). Good move!

Is that where the QDc is opening up to seel pork,,,, here piggy piggy

to Westerners?

There is no need for alcohol in the pearl. and @ Koen1815 who said 75% are empty which days do you go out and what time.You clearly don't go there too much

Yes Koen 1815, if alcohol is made available in Pearl Qatar then the Westeners will rush to Qatar to occupy the 75% empty lots that you mentioned. Are you really living in today's world??

Insane Decisions

I was at Carluccio's earlier this week and yes, there are not allowed to serve alcohol anymore. In good tradition, nobody knows the exact reason and how long the ban will last.

How can you attract Westerners to buy a property in the Pearl if the rules keep on changing ? As you might have noticed, 75% of the lots are still empty. Hmmmm, what could be the reason...

i think gandpati should be set in pearl if alcohal is not ban

Isn't this Double Standards......

the same way of a muttawwa ..

there is no connection of muttawa and pearl, if there was alcholol would be ban through out Qatar

nite_rider how will a ganpati help?

Welcome to Qatar where the rules keep changing every day, every hour, every minute and every sec..

why don't the ministry set up a Ganpati inside Pearl ?

Serious? Now I cant have beer at Carluccios?

Why don't the ministry set up a muttawa station inside Pearl?