Thomas Tapken
Whenever a ‘dry hotel’ is mentioned, eyebrows are raised and glances exchanged. Doubt sets in regarding the marketability of such an establishment, but are these preconceived ideas valid? Does ‘fine dining’ really depend on the availability of wine?
Being ‘dry’ generally means that alcohol is not served in the hotel restaurants or available in the mini bar, usually at the owner’s request. Sometimes, it depends on the business licence – only full service hotels can apply for an alcohol licence in the UAE, not suites or apartments, and stand-alone restaurants cannot receive a licence.
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But does the inability to drink alcohol really compromise a good meal? On the contrary, many cuisines are spoilt by the taste of alcohol, with drinkers unable to appreciate the delicate flavours and fine herbs and spices.
Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines are all best when accompanied by water or soft drinks rather than wine or beer. It is a well known fact that alcohol compromises the senses, including taste and smell, so why should we continually spoil a good meal by drinking?
Lack of alcohol should not necessarily translate into drinking only water. How many people have tried the Arabic juices and milk-based drinks – except during Iftar once a year!
The rise in the popularity of sporting activities also leads to a decrease in the ‘requirement’ for late nights and heavy drinking. Try biking 100 km on a Friday morning with a hangover, or running after a late night. It just does not work!
These people will still go out for a good meal – so let’s put the emphasis back on quality of food and value for money rather than ‘can I get a drink’. We hoteliers are sometimes our own worst enemy!
That ‘dry’ hotels and restaurants command good business is testament to the fact that a great number of people in the UAE are not worried by the lack of alcohol, or even appreciate its absence! If your ‘dry restaurant’ is not successful, perhaps the blame lies with you and your lack of marketing, creativity and flair rather than the lack of an alcohol licence.
Author:
Thomas Tapken
Group General Manager
City Seasons Hotels
About the Author: Thomas Tapken has worked in the Middle East in hotel general management and group regional positions for over 7 years. He has launched brands, filled ailing properties and united diversified teams whilst still finding time for sporting obsessions. He is currently Group General Manager, City Seasons Group of Hotels, based in Dubai.
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