Qatar restaurants' profits slump after alcohol ban

Posted by: Javier
11 Jan 2012
These kind of sudden changes in the rules of a country which is trying to profile itself as an "open and tolerant society towards western culture", are no good sign for the trust of companies looking to invest and contribute to the development of the same. Laws are issued, interpretedand changed without prior notice "depending on the mood of the ruling institution". Qatar should be very clear on the way it wants to develop; (is it going to be Western or Isalmic?) and place a long term law system which makes planning for business possible. The issue with the ban on alcohol should be discussed and decided once and for all. This decision should conclude with either yes or no. Something in between is not a desicion at all. This reminds me on the visa issue for all non GCC visitors, that has been going back and forward since quite some time now.

Posted by: AnnaScott
11 Jan 2012
The indiscretion from arabs regarding alcohol, besides turning up in bars in their local attire and creating drunken scenes, their hypocritical laws have perplexed tourists and residents from drinking comfortably. The only way to escape is not to get drunk and cause any attention to oneself. The Arab countries should make up their minds about alcohol trade & retail so that we don't suffer the consequences of their fickle mind. If muslims are not allowed to drink then they shouldn't be given a drink in the first place. I have seen top arabs openly drinking. So why the hypocrisy and severity for the unlucky ones? A city badly in debt and thriving on foreign ventures should decide the taboo laws purely from their investment strategies.

Posted by: Anis
13 Jan 2012
Why is so hard to accept the rules when they issued from governmental entity, and mostly as expats start talking about change, tolerance, acceptance, why don't you start by asking your selves when you are in country such Qatar you act as tolerant for their culture?, do you respect? in terms of behavior?, dress?, i'don't think so, i have seen many scene where expat were ridiculously drunk or acting sham. Talking about debt it is clear now days western countries are struggling to find an exit door from their debt starting by Greece, France, Germany, Italy, and America and the list is long. i agree on the way the rules were suddenly implemented but again alcohol Ban in independent restaurant (available in Hotels) is prime factor for investment decision in these countries? I don't think so.

Posted by: Javier
16 Jan 2012
Dear Anis; nobody is here demanding that Qatar should adapt a totaly "western way of life". I find it very right that culture and traditions as well as religion are kept and respected. The issue here (talking about the alcohol) is that the government says one days yes, and the next day no. It's like if you allow your child to do something one day and then prohibit it without any reason the days after. Will your child understand it? Will it accept and have respect for this kind of authority? I doubt it. As I said, the answer it's either a YES or a NO and nothing in between will be a solution. By the way, not only expats look ridiculous when drunk; everybody does, and I quite sure that the people in Qatar are there because Qatar needs them as much as they need Qatar. It's a job situation, therefore a give and take from both sides.

Posted by: Anis
16 Jan 2012
Dear Javier i do agree with you in all your comments even in my previous post, and as you said it's a job situation, giving should be from both sides. I think also investors, managers should be prepared enough , do the math before penetrate such countries with swinging regulation before it comes to stability as it is a new venture for them also. i don't agree with the fact that business will fail because there is no alcohol served. Finally coming to being drunk i totally agree with you everybody looks ridiculous. hope it get solved rapidly.