Drunk Excuse In Bahrain: A Legal Loophole?

Although alcohol is legal in Bahrain, with a number of bars, licensed restaurants and off-licences, drunken behaviour in public is against the law. Being drunk is not an excuse for breaking the law in Bahrain and offenders can be liable to a fine, imprisonment, deportation or a combination of these penalties. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also illegal and can result in a prison sentence, fines, and the withdrawal of a driving license.

Drunk in public: punishable by fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation

While Bahrain is a liberal country compared to others in the Middle East, it is rooted firmly in Islamic traditions and tribal heritage. As such, there are strict laws in place regarding alcohol consumption. Alcohol is available in Bahrain in bars, licensed restaurants, and off-licences, but drunken behaviour in public is against the law.

Being drunk in public in Bahrain is punishable by fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation. If you are drunk in a public place, you may be fined, imprisoned, or deported from the country. The same punishment applies to driving under the influence of alcohol, which is also illegal. It is important to note that security officers and airline staff will not tolerate passengers believed to be drunk at the airport, even if they are in transit. In such cases, you may be denied boarding, detained, and fined.

In addition to these alcohol restrictions, it is important to respect local traditions, customs, and religions in Bahrain. Visitors should be aware that open displays of non-Muslim religious beliefs can be seen as offensive and should be avoided. Additionally, the import of religious material may be questioned and seen as suspicious.

It is also important to dress conservatively in public places, especially religious sites, to avoid causing offence. Clothing should not expose shoulders or knees, display offensive pictures or slogans, or be transparent. Nudity, including topless sunbathing, is strictly forbidden.

Drunk driving: illegal, resulting in fines, imprisonment, and/or driving license revocation

Drunk Driving in Bahrain

Drinking alcohol is legal in Bahrain, but driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving in Bahrain is 0.00%. This means that even a small amount of alcohol in your system can result in criminal charges if you choose to drive.

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Bahrain, you will face legal consequences. The penalties for drunk driving in Bahrain include fines ranging from BD 500 to BD 1000 (approximately £1000 to £2000), imprisonment for up to one year, and revocation of your driving license. These penalties are designed to deter people from driving under the influence and to protect the safety of everyone on the road.

In addition to the legal consequences, drunk driving can also have other serious implications. If you are a resident of Bahrain, your actions may be perceived as breaching the country's cultural norms and values, which could lead to further repercussions. It is important to remember that Bahrain is rooted firmly in Islamic traditions, and showing disrespect towards these traditions may result in prosecution and penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

To avoid any legal troubles, it is crucial to refrain from drinking and driving in Bahrain. If you plan on consuming alcohol, make sure to arrange alternative transportation or opt to stay in a place where you will not need to drive. By following the local laws and respecting the cultural values, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during your time in Bahrain.

Driving Laws in Bahrain

In addition to strict laws against drunk driving, Bahrain also has several other important traffic rules and regulations that you should be aware of. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Traffic signs in Bahrain are displayed in both English and Arabic, making it easy to navigate the roads.
• Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Failure to comply can result in a fine.
• Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited and can lead to fines and jail time.
• Bahrain has a zero-tolerance policy for speeding, with fines and jail time imposed for those who exceed the speed limit.
• It is illegal to drive without a valid license, and the use of international driving licenses is permitted for a certain period, depending on your country of origin.

Alcohol restrictions: non-Muslims can buy alcohol from special stores, with an age limit of 21+

Alcohol is heavily regulated in Bahrain and is only available for purchase from licensed vendors and bars. Non-Muslims over the age of 21 can buy alcohol from special stores like restaurants, pubs, and clubs. However, it is illegal to offer alcohol to those under the age of 21, and one must be careful to follow the restrictions in place.

There is no need for an alcohol permit in Bahrain, but there are several restrictions on the consumption of alcohol. Firstly, getting drunk in public places is an offence punishable by fines and jail time. Secondly, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and can result in prison time and/or fines. It is important to note that these laws are strictly enforced, and offenders may face deportation and the withdrawal of their driving license.

In addition to the legal restrictions, alcohol is also culturally restricted in Bahrain. While it is available in bars and restaurants, it is not widely consumed in public. Alcohol consumption is generally frowned upon in Bahraini culture, particularly among the more conservative segments of society. It is considered disrespectful to Islamic values, and those who choose to consume alcohol are expected to do so responsibly and in moderation.

There are also religious holidays and days of observance when it is illegal to consume alcohol. For example, during the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music, or dance in public places during daylight hours, and these restrictions apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Overall, while alcohol is available for non-Muslims over the age of 21 in Bahrain, it is important to be aware of and respect the cultural and legal restrictions surrounding its consumption.

Alcohol availability: accessible in hotels, clubs, pubs, and restaurants

Alcohol is legal in Bahrain and is available in hotels, clubs, pubs, and restaurants. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, for instance, offers a bar, lounge, and multiple restaurants. Another example is the InterContinental Bahrain, which features fine dining, a cabaret, and ballrooms for events.

Bahrain's nightlife scene is diverse, attracting Americans, Europeans, and Middle Easterners. The island is particularly popular with tourists because alcohol is permitted, which is not the case in most other countries in the Middle East.

Non-Muslims over the age of 21 can purchase alcohol from special stores, including restaurants, pubs, and clubs. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on alcohol consumption. Getting drunk in public is an offense punishable by fines and jail time, and driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and can result in prison time and/or fines.

Drunk at the airport: intoxicated passengers may be denied boarding, detained, and fined

Being drunk is not an excuse in Bahrain, and intoxicated passengers should expect to be denied boarding, detained, and fined. Alcohol is available at Bahrain Airport, but airline staff are strict about not allowing passengers who appear intoxicated to fly. Drinking excessively while in transit through the airport can result in detention and a fine. If you have a dispute with a driver or vomit in a taxi, you may be taken directly to a police station and charged with public intoxication.

Bahrain has strict laws and customs that apply to visitors, and ignorance of these laws is not an excuse. The country is Islamic, and some laws are based on the teachings of the Quran. One example is that it is forbidden to try to convert a Muslim to another religion. Non-Muslim visitors should be aware that open displays of non-Muslim religious beliefs can be seen as offensive and should be avoided.

In addition to religious sensitivities, there are other cultural norms that travellers should be aware of. For example, it is considered offensive to dress immodestly, and women, in particular, may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse if they do not cover their shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are also likely to offend local people, and homosexuality is considered an offence.

Bahrain has zero tolerance for drink driving, and authorities will detain, fine, and ban anyone who drives under the influence of alcohol. There are also very strict penalties for drug offences, which can result in a custodial sentence or the death penalty. Stealing is considered a major crime in Bahrain and can result in a prison sentence.

It is important to be aware of these laws and customs to protect your personal safety and avoid legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions