Nightclubs turning 'exclusive'

Nightclubs in the country have imposed new rules for patrons, restricting entry to the venue to members only.

They said from “March 1 there is no such thing as a ‘guest’ at a night club in Qatar”.

The decision was apparently taken after ongoing “discussions with the Ministry of Interior”.

The clubs have yet to receive an official advisory on the matter though, an official yesterday said on condition of anonymity.

The new rules do not affect restaurants and establishments serving alcohol where guidelines, including dress code and behaviour policy, vary.

One five-star hotel’s restaurant that also serves liquor, for example, yesterday said that it does not allow “any woman in abaya” while others also extended the ban to men in national dress.

To introduce the new “members only” rules, one nightclub e-mailed messages to its members urging them to bring a Qatari ID on their next visit while also requesting that their friends and guests also carry a valid ID, preferably one with a picture so that they can sign up to be members before entering the premises.

Rate of membership varies from free-for-ladies to QR100 depending on the policy of each club.

The club members have also been advised to follow the general guidelines of the Ministry of Interior, which ban the entry of Qatari females into a nightclub at any time of day as well as anyone who is wearing the national dress.

Meanwhile, one club said that they would stop admitting guests only from April 1.

“As of April 1, (name omitted), will become a ‘members only’ club. Membership is available for QR25 per person.

“This will also allow for special rates on events and promotions in the future,” the e-mail response to a Gulf Times query said.

Another nightclub said yesterday that membership is full at the moment and the waiting period is around three months.