A written notice to five star hotels in Qatar has banned the sale of alcohol in swimming pool areas or on the beach (Image for illustrative purposes only).
Authorities in Qatar issued a written notice to hotel managers at the weekend banning the sale of alcohol in swimming pool areas or on the beach, leading to the last minute cancellation of some beach parties around the capital Doha, it was reported.
The Four Seasons, St. Regis and the Ritz Carlton hotels all cancelled their beach parties at the weekend as a result of the notice, which was issued on Thursday, Doha News confirmed.
Officials have not yet commented on whether the new notice is a new regulation or the reinforcement of an existing rule, the report added.
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It is not the first time Qatar has moved to clampdown on the sale of alcohol.
In December 2011 a controversial ban on alcohol at Qatar's manmade Pearl-Qatar development led to the closure of several high profile restaurants.
In January, celebrity UK chef Gordon Ramsay weighed in on the row, which led to the closure of his Maze restaurant in March 2012 after just two years of operation.
“I think the legislation in terms of operating restraints - going out for dinner and not being allowed to have a glass of wine - I think it’s one turn-off for any local,” Ramsay was quoted as saying by Doha News.
The sale of alcohol is strictly monitored in five of the Gulf states with Saudi Arabia operating an outright ban on the sale and consumption of liquor.
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