• You are here:  
  • Home
  • Blogs
  • Alcohol Laws in Kuwait

Alcohol Laws in Kuwait

Kuwait is one of the very few countries in the world where alcohol is completely banned


Many people tend to think Kuwait is similar to other GCC countries like the UAE and Qatar where alcohol is limited but widely available. Contrary to this assumption, it is important to remember that Kuwait provides no alcohol. That means that even the hotels and restaurants do not in any way serve alcohol.

As a result, the laws surrounding alcohol in the country can be somewhat confusing to expats. A lot of people consequently ask "can you drink alcohol in Kuwait?"

Is alcohol illegal in Kuwait?
To be clear, in Kuwait the act of drinking alcohol privately is not illegal in itself, but buying and/or selling, bringing alcohol to a public place or being intoxicated in public areas, including a car as a passenger, are all serious crimes.
Strictly speaking, the Kuwait Penal Law states that "any person who brings, imports or manufactures alcoholic or intoxicating beverages for the purpose of trading shall be penalized for a period not exceeding 10 years".

Can you drink alcohol in Kuwait?
Anyone caught drinking and possessing alcohol for personal use will be slapped a fine of not more than KD100.
The law goes on to state that if the intention of bringing, importing or manufacturing is not trading or promotion, and should he repeat this act the penalty is imprisonment for a period of not more than 6 months and/or a fine of not more than KD100.

Can you drink alcohol in public in Kuwait?
In regards to public intoxication, the law says that any person who takes alcoholic or intoxicating beverages to a public place or to a place where he may be seen by others be it a public place or a private club, and any person who brings the alcoholic or intoxicating beverage to the said place for another person to consume shall be jailed for a period not exceeding 6 months and/or fined not more than KD50.
Any person who is found drunk will be punished the same.
Many expats find alternative ways to consume alcohol in the privacy of their homes, but it is not advisable as they are taking their chances with the law. You can find non-alcoholic beer and malt options at stores across the country.

BLOGS

7 Ways to look for safety in your heart

The heart – a symbol of devotion, the organ linked to feelings, and the accused individual blamed foolish actions all too much, but that's so much more! Her hands are the most vital organs of the body. It is the oh-so-needed supply of oxygen and nutrients to all your tissues, and removes carbon dioxide and other waste.

Read more

Swimming Pool Complex

The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC), situated along the Arabian Gulf Highway, opened the Swimming Pool Complex in April1988. The Diving Pool Complex occupies a 9,635sqm area and houses various activities and events, as well as the annual aquatic and diving championships for young people.

Read more

Kuwait Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips

There is no shortage of transportation options in Kuwait City, whether for tourists or business travellers. However, Kuwait has a well-developed road network, public transport is largely limited to buses and taxis. Plans are underway to build a rail network in the future, but buses, cars, or taxis are currently the only forms of general public transport available in Kuwait.

Read more

Gulf bank

Gulf Bank is one of Kuwait 's leading providers of financial services, with a wide range of wholesale banking, consumer banking , treasury and financial services.

Read more