Service of Alcohol Guidance

VER1.0-31122020
Service of Alcohol Guidance

Guidance Overview
The purpose of this guidance is to assist ADGM Entities, located in Al Maryah Island, in relation to the requirements for serving alcohol to guests for consumption within their premises. This guidance covers:

• Commercial license and alcohol permits;
• Service of alcohol to the ADGM Entities’ customers;
• Adequate record keeping relating to liquor stock and supplier details; and
• Monitoring and surveillance systems within the premises.

Service of Alcohol Requirements
In accordance with the applicable UAE laws concerning alcohol, all ADGM Entities must adhere to the following requirements:

1. ADGM Entities must hold, and maintain, a valid commercial license and alcohol permit, issued by the RA, at all times.
2. Alcoholic beverages may be served in transparent or coloured vessels (e.g. glass/bottle) within the ADGM Entities’ premises (indoors or outdoors).
3. The ADGM Entity’s outdoor area(s) should not be in full open view to the public. A level of screening, but not full screening, is required.
4. The ADGM Entities must ensure that no customer is permitted to leave their premises with an alcoholic beverage(s).

VER1.0-31122020
Service of Alcohol Guidance

5. The ADGM Entities must maintain up to date and accurate records and documents relating to the quantities and movement of its liquor stock.
6. The ADGM Entities must maintain a valid liquor purchase contract from approved suppliers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
7. Alcoholic beverages must not be served except to persons aged 21 years or more.
8. It is prohibited to conduct any retail or wholesale distribution or sales of alcoholic beverages, unless the business is licensed to do so by the RA.
9. It is prohibited to advertise the sale of alcohol on Al Maryah Island (except promotions within the ADGM Entity’s premises).
10. The ADGM Entities shall ensure that all CCTV cameras are in continuous working order. Where a CCTV equipment defect occurs, it must be repaired without delay and reported to the RA.

VER1.0-31122020
Service of Alcohol Guidance

Introduction to Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) is a broad based international financial centre, established pursuant to Abu Dhabi Law No. 4 of 2013 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. With its own civil and commercial laws based on English common law, ADGM offers the local, regional and international business community a world-class legal system and regulatory regime.

This guidance has been prepared and issued by the Registration Authority to assist ADGM registered tourist and hotel entities (“ADGM Entities”) established in ADGM, in relation to the service of alcohol.

Registration Authority
The Registration Authority (“RA”) is one of ADGM’s three independent authorities, together with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts. The RA is responsible for the administration of the commercial legislation in ADGM including the registration and commercial licensing of businesses operating in or from Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Corporate Relations Division
The Corporate Relations Division forms part of the RA and is responsible for issuing permits and NOCs to ADGM Entities, to facilitate their operations and assist in their compliance with the set guidelines for such practices.

The Corporate Relations Division offers various services to ADGM Entities, their employees (and families). Those services include but are not limited to:

• Establishment Cards & E Channel Accounts;
• Employment Residency Visas;
• Work permits;
• Special & Alcohol permits; and
• Events NOCs.

VER1.0-31122020
Service of Alcohol Guidance

Contact Details
The RA is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Corporate Relations Division may be contacted on the following email: Gov.Services@adgm.com

Disclaimer
Please note that this guidance includes non‐binding and interpretive guidance with regard to the service of alcohol in ADGM. Further advice from a specialist professional in relation to the implementation of this guidance may be required. ADGM makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness or suitability of any information and will not be liable for any error or omission. Information in this guidance is not to be deemed, considered or relied upon as legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for a specific advice concerning any individual situation. Any action taken upon the information provided in this guidance is strictly at your own risk and ADGM will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of or reliance on information provided in this guidance.

For more information, please contact the Registration Authority on:
Telephone: +971 2 333 8888
Email (general): ra@adgm.com
Email (permits): accessadgm.cases@adgm.com
Published: December 2020