Merits and Demerits of Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol is an acceptable beverage in most parts of the world. It can be a blessing and a curse, a tonic and a poison depending upon the dose one consumes. Moderate consumption of alcohol - a cocktail or beer or wine can have substantial health benefits. However, regular consumption of alcohol adversely affects health and damages the liver and kidney. Moderate drinking is two drinks for men and one for women. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1-1/2 ounces of hard liquor.

Many from the Western countries consume alcohol but in Asian countries there are restrictions imposed on drinking.

Benefits of moderate alcohol consumption

• It raises levels of high density lipoprotein –HDL which are associated with protection against heart diseases. Red wine helps in the prevention of heart disease.
• Limited quantity of beer that has less level of alcohol percentage helps avoid the problem of heart attack.
• The anti-oxidant properties of wine reduce the risk of developing a cold.
• Little amounts of wine during meals can add a few years to your life.
• Drinking two units of alcohol can help reduce the risk of gallstones.
• Results of Dutch Study say moderate alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Disadvantages of Over Drinking

• Chronic intake of alcohol can damage liver cells and make it dysfunctional. It causes inflammation of liver – alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
• There is an increased risk of cancer in liver, mouth, pharynx, pancreas and esophagus.
• It gives suicidal tendencies to person who drinks alcohol excessively and beyond control.
• It can disrupt sleep patterns and cause weight gain.
• It causes slow and progressive degeneration of nervous system and damages the neurons.
• It is a social evil and excessive drinking can cause loss of self- image in the society. Families get ruined due to alcoholic family members. Children get mostly affected due to alcoholic parents.
• Intoxication can cause accidents and bad behavior in public and at home. Drunken driving can lead to death of one`s life and also of others too.

Alcohol license in Dubai

Though UAE is under Sharia law that prohibits drinking, it is allowed for non-muslims. There is a large population of expats living in Dubai, a hub of tourism in UAE. The licensing laws of Dubai permit drinking in licensed restaurants, hotels, bars attached to licensed hotels. Drinking in public places and in beaches is strictly prohibited. Non –Muslim residents of Dubai require an alcohol license to buy and drink alcohol.

Liquor stores in UAE

Two companies licensed to sell alcohol in UAE are MMI (Maritime and Mercantile International) and African and Eastern (A&E).

Locations of MMI Stores in Dubai: Al Safa (Spinneys), Bur Dubai, Deira, Ibn Batuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Festival Centre, Karama.

MMI Alcohol Store in Dubai Duty Free: Le Clos in Dubai International Airport. There are 16 MMI liquor stores in Dubai that sell world`s leading brands in wines, beers and spirits.

MMI Liquor Store in UAE: Al Hamra Cellar in Ras Al Khaimah

Locations of African and Eastern stores in Dubai: Al Safa, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, Mirdif, Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai, Karama.

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