A new smart application process has been launched to get a liquor license in Dubai. The distribution companies African and Eastern and MMI have come aboard to introduce the new fast and easy method to deliver alcohol and the renewal of the red card membership.
According to the new announcement, all the Non-Muslim residents who are above the legal age of drinking, i.e. over 21 years of age can now apply for their new alcohol license by simply taking their Emirates ID to any MMI and A+E outlet.
Previously, the residents, who were interested to buy alcohol in Dubai had to go through a separate set of processes to get their license is made. This required a NOC letter, tenancy contract, and a salary certificate showing earnings of AED 3000 per month.
Last year, with the new upgrades in the registration process, the residents are introduced with a fast-paced method that includes 2-3 copies of Emirates ID, passport, visa, and a passport photo to submit the license application.
The distribution companies African and Eastern and MMI have said that the new smart process aims to “reduce the paperwork and speeds up the application and renewal process for the existing and the new members.
Importantly, all those who have an existing red card license will be required to replace it with a new Black Smart license by August 31, as per the official statement. With this norm, the Red licenses will no longer be valid for in-store or online purchases from September.
For the existing customers, the card replacement will be subject to a fee of AED 25 fee and can be redeemed at the stores. Optionally, red cardholders can also apply to process their annual license renewal early and the remaining months left will be added to the new black card.
Rules For Applying For Smart Liquor License In Dubai
- All residents over 21 years of age and non-muslims can apply for the license at all African and Eastern and MMI outlets.
- In order to apply for a new smart license or to renew the existing one, residents can simply scan their Emirates ID at any MMI or African Eastern store.
- The cost of the license will remain AED 270.
- All residents holding a red license must convert it to a black license by 31st August.
- The remaining months left on the card will be added to the black card.
Interestingly, with a spike seeing in the country, the company has started giving out a delivery facility to all the tourists in the country. With this new offer, tourists can purchase alcohol from any A+E or MMI outlet and LegalHomeDelivery.com.
All they will be required is to show their original passport at the time of delivery. The site requires a minimum spend of AED 250, as well as a delivery charge of AED 50 and all the respective orders placed before 12 pm (mid-day) will be delivered the next day.
Mike Glen, Managing Director of the MMI – UAE and Oman said “We’re always looking for new ways to make the shopping experience as simple as possible and keep our customers on the right side of the law. All the customers must have a liquor license with them.”
Importantly, under the UAE law, any resident or tourists, if want to transport or consume alcohol, at home, in a bar or restaurant must have a liquor license in order to purchase and consume alcohol in Dubai. Restaurant services only provide alcohol at their tables and not to deliver out of the premises.
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