Embassy alerts Brits in UAE to carry liquor permit

Dubai - The embassy advised UK nationals to respect local customs and behave respectfully when consuming alcohol.

The British embassy has issued an advisory for its nationals residing or flying in and out of the UAE about drinking and carrying alcohol to avoid violation of local laws of the emirates.
 
A statement posted by the embassy on its Facebook asked British citizens to carry liquor permit all the time when they are in the UAE.
 
"If caught carrying or drinking alcohol without a licence or with alcohol in your blood you can be arrested. It is a punishable offence to be under the influence of alcohol in public, including when transiting through the UAE. It can result in custodial sentences &/or fine (other offences committed while drunk will be heard separately)," it said in a stark warning to its citizens.
 
A Swedish woman was reportedly arrested for consuming alcohol during her flight from London to Dubai and misbehaving with the airport officials. But, later, she was released on the instruction of higher Dubai officials.
 
However, Dubai Public Prosecution said after completing investigations that the Swedish national had attempted to enter the UAE on an expired passport.
 
The embassy advised UK nationals to respect local customs and behave respectfully when consuming alcohol.
 
"There is zero tolerance for drink driving in the UAE. You can be arrested as a passenger in a car driven by someone with alcohol in their blood," said the statement, adding that tourists cannot get a licence.
 
Also, alcohol licence is only valid in the Emirate that issued it, said the statement.
 
A flydubai spokesperson told Khaleej Times that the airline is aware of the statement and it's reviewing it. Statements from Emirates and Etihad Airways was awaited at the time of filing this report.
 
According to International Air Transport Association's (Iata) "Guidance on Unruly Passenger Prevention and Management", consuming alcohol resulting in intoxication is an offence under Section 2, which deals with assault and other acts endangering safety or jeopardising good order and discipline on a civil aircraft.
 
Iata figures revealed that 33 per cent of unruly passengers' incidents are caused by intoxication from alcohol or drugs. Iata said on its website that in order to assist its member airlines, the global body has developed guidance and training to help de-escalate incidents of unruly passengers, and to ensure the responsible service of alcohol.

What the law says