The emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism announced the new rules in a circular dated last week to distributors and liquor stores, but otherwise did not publicize the decision. Government officials did not respond to requests for comment Monday from The Associated Press.
“We would like to announce the cancellation of alcohol licenses for individuals,” the circular said. “Residents and tourists will be permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops, and are allowed to drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs and independent outlets.” Eliminating the licenses also would decriminalize alcohol possession, although the Emirates maintains a strict no-tolerance policy on drunk driving and public intoxication.
Overall sales of alcohol by volume in the UAE fell sharply in 2019 to 128.79 million litres , down some 3.5% from 133.42 million litres sold the year before, according to market research firm Euromonitor. The 2019 sales are down nearly 9% from 2017, which saw 141.51 million litres sold.