Monday 20 / May / 2024
Muscat: The Omani Penal Code prohibits trade in alcohol without proper licence or permission from the authorities.
Article 286 of the Penal Code exclusively deals with cases related to consumption of alcohol in which the sentence includes imprisonment for a period of no less than one month and no more than six months and a fine of no less than OMR100 and no more than OMR500, or one of these two punishments.
The cases include anyone who consumes alcohol or intoxicating drinks in a public place, anyone who is found drunk in a public place, and anyone who creates a riot or causes disturbance to others or disturbs public peace because of his drunkenness.
The Omani Penal Code does not stop at this point. Article 285 deals with commercial and production side, prescribing a prison sentence of no less than six months and no more than three years, and a fine of no less than OMR300 and no more than OMR1,000, or one of these two punishments, for the following cases: anyone who manufactures, imports or deals in liquor without licence; anyone who sets up or arranges a place for the consumption of alcohol or intoxicants; and anyone who practices any other activity related to alcohol without a licence from the competent authorities.
The law includes provision for confiscation of liquor, the machinery, the materials and the means used in its production or transportation, as well as the closure of the place where the crime occurred.
As for Article 287 regarding serving alcohol to children, the punishment includes imprisonment for a period of no less than one month and no more than one year, and a fine of no less than OMR100 and no more than OMR1,000, or one of these two penalties.
This is for anyone who offers alcohol or an intoxicating drink to a person who has not completed 18 years of age, or incites him to use it. The closure of the shop or the place where the crime has been committed can also be ordered.
