Is it true that in U.A.E. beer and other alcoholic beverages are not available in the supermarkets to buy, and if so, then which are the other countries to impose these restrictions of selling alcohol in supermarkets?

bloomsby

In UAE alcohol is only sold at (1) upmarket restaurants and (2) liquor shops. These shops are allowed to sell booze to non-Muslim residents with liquor permits. This is generous by Islamic standards. :) http://www.alloexpat.com/abu_dhabi_expat_forum/alcohol-shops-t2090.html Oct 28 07, 6:38 PM

McGruff

Alcohol laws vary from state to state in the US, and sometimes from county to county within states. For instance, no alcohol is sold in supermarkets or convenience stores in Maryland. All off-site liquor is sold from individually owned and operated licensed liquor stores, except in Montgomery County, where liquor is only sold in ABC (alcohol beverage control) stores. However in Virginia, supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores may carry beer and wine. Wine above 14% and other spirits are sold only in state ABC stores. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_the_United_States_by_state Oct 28 07, 8:03 PM

author

I was in Dubai some years ago. Since I am a pool player, I looked for the pubs who had a pool table. You could easily buy a beer in these pubs. These pubs were all inside hotels, though. However, in the emirate of Sharjah, only 20 km away, alcohol was totally banned. Oct 28 07, 9:11 PM

McGruff

In the US, restaurants and clubs, and other businesses or events (bars, bowling alleys, pool halls, concerts, sports arenas, etc.) that might offer alcohol to be consumed on-site usually fall under a different set of rules. Oct 28 07, 10:30 PM

jibberer

abu dahbi is very much "hard line" although alcohol is available at some hotels dubai is more liberal but very much aware of tourist needs of which it flourishes.on the other hand you cannot buy alcohol at supermarkets in queensland australia Oct 29 07, 4:38 AM