Dubai loosens liquor laws as UAE alcohol sales suffer drop

 Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to license-holding residents.

This comes as United Arab Emirates saw first drop in alcohol sales by volume in a dece.

new liquor laws, which also let visitors to skyscraper-studded Dubai obtain liquor permits mselves for first time, also come amid a widening ecomic downturn affecting this oil-rich nation on Arabian Peninsula.

However, laws also close a long-standing legal conundrum facing imbibing tourists who travel here.

Throwing back shots, sipping a beer or indulging in a Champagne-soaked brunch in this city-state technically remains illegal without a drinker holding a permit, though bartender ever asks to see one before pouring a drink.