ROFL. I didn't say anything about the British, I said I don't like hanging out with guys who've been pounding back beers since noon and are passed out and rowdy. Hence why I didn't like Garvey's and why I want it to re-open so all those people can go back to it.
So I guess there are a couple of new haunts but we are still 'cursed' by the clientele. Fear not, when the town is done being built and the big money moves in, it'll be 'civilized?' here.
I've been to the restaurants and the spa. I saw Beckham in the lobby. Haven't been to the bars cause I'm not really drinking much anymore. Maddisson is at La Cigale.
Sameal, you used to not get that at Bubbles or Habanos, because the "lager boys" never went there. Now they've taken it over and it's really ruined those places. :(
Well you are going to have that regardless of what is and isn't open.
I agree though, there is usually an aura of arrogance when a group of of lager lads come together. That was the one reason i didn't like garvey's for so long, when aussie legends shut down i tried a few places. Irish harp is ok when it is quiet, not too keen on it on a busy night. Sherizad, well it's not the best that's for sure, still reasonably priced but tends to have a few problems on a busy night. Orions, just don't like the atmosphere there and i can't get comfortable. Bubbles, not for me, i'll take a girl there because ladies generally enjoy the place. Palomas, not too keen on it, and it's quite far from me, as is ritz.
so that pretty much left me with the rugby club and garvey's. Garvey's you wouldn't catch me dead in on a busy night, but when it's quiet i did like it well enough.
If you go to any other bar in Doha now, like Bubbles at Ramada, Irish Harp, even Habanos at the Ritz they are packed to the gills with former Garveys and Rydges patrons. You dont' notice it so much at the Harp, but when big groups of drunken British men start cheering when a glass breaks or shouting and carrying on, you notice it at Bubbles and it's not very nice.
that the new venue in Al Khor they opened would probably stay open (and that they were getting all their paperwork in order for alcohol to be served there), but that the Doha one would most likely shut down and not re-open. :-(
Local politics are to blame, from what I have heard...
Latest is that the tenants who live in the apartments/villas there were all served with eviction notices by the landlord (not Garvey's) last week. Think the court case is due to be heard on 15th March, but not looking hopeful..........
Newa report staes that "eateries" (I love the Hinglish in the local english language press, sleuths, nabbed etc. etc.)are going to be barred from residential areas but will be ok in Malls etc. This looks like a policy emerging to concentrate all retailing and food services in estabished commercial centres with consequent concentration of services in high rent buildings to someone's anvantage other than the consumers. I worked near the Sheraton for 3 years, the nearest place to buy a newspaper, cigarettes, sandwich or anything else was the City Centre. So much so that it became impossible to visit the place at any time of day without a lengthy search for a parking place, and of course the majority of the Towers aren't even open yet. Such policies concentrating services together add towards the congestion which is threatening to choke the Commercial and social life of the city. Is Garveys another victim of such a concentration policy?
Welcome was the best and the oldest Indian restaurant in Qatar. It was the typical family weekend hang out where you could get delicious food at affordable prices from all parts of India.. They had south Indian snacks, North Indian curries, chaats, sweets etc.. They had opened in 1980 and we used to go there very frequently. Suddenly, one fine day, they closed down.. It was sometime in 2005.. No reason, no excuse, no explanation.. Many people have come up with different versions as to why ti was closed down but no one knows for sure.. Some people say that they were serving lunch during Ramadan.. Some say they used to server alcohol to some of their special costumers.. Some say their rivals Garden restaurant had them closed down.. But so far, no one knows the real reason..
it's true that some things were happening there that some people in the authority did not like, but then they also happen at various hotels but then maybe the money was not going in the right pockets.... a la Amigo's....
and eventually they got their way. It will never reopen and the authorities will find ways of keeping it shut without actually saying its their aim. The court case has been adjourned until 15 March as I understand and they will keep stringing them along until they either run out of money to fight the courts cases or just give up in frustration.
No one, not even the police has stated that they were running an illegal business. If you think the sale and consumption of alcohol is haram, then that is your business but don't start throwing accusations around you can't back up.
What about Qatar cold stores? They closed down as well or what? I remember we used to go there very often years ago.. Then other places opened up nearby and we almost forgot it existed.. What happened to it?
The problem seems to be, nobody really appears to know what the exact situation in the law IS. I heard that Garvey's have EXACTLY the same permits, licences, etc that all the major hotels in Doha have too. So.............does that mean the Ritz, Ramada, Four Seasons, etc are also making millions on illegal business??
This just smacks of a vendetta to have the place closed down - whether or not you like Garvey's is immaterial. Those guys worked hard to build up that business, which was much appreciated by hundreds of people. They employed dozens of staff too, and now what's going to happen to them? We're talking about people's livelihoods here.
its the country that has forced that upon them. If they wanted to shut it down they could have given them notice and then in an orderly way they could have disposed of assets and stock and laid off the workers properly.
When you live in a country and you don't if the laws are going to change overnight, then its not a good place to do business.
Dear Gypsy and anyone else who may be able to help...can you please tell me where I can find a news article or anything related to the change in law, allowing Qataris to buy alcohol? I am writing a book on the Gulf and the "threat" to traditional culture posed by outsiders and outside influences, and this would be very good for my research.
The Ramada was the first to sell alcohol, that was downstairs in Maxims and that started in about 1993/4.
There had been talk about the hotels going wet for a number of years (certainly from 1986) when the argument was how you could stop people going into a place and just ordering beer. One suggestion had been that they could only spend on alcohol what they had spent on food.
The Qatar General Petroleum Offshore Operation's Falcon Club had a fully operational and licenced bar until it was closed in 1983.
Booze permits were issued either by the British Embassy or if you were QGPC staff, bby the company (QGPC) who had their own supply store (originally behind the Falcon Club and latterly at RAA). The British Embassy site was at the "house on the hill" not that far from the existing QDC. Both were non profit making organisations.
Another fact is that Haris who now works at the QDC was senior barman at the Falcon Club bar and is the best barman anyone is likely to find in Qatar. He can make any cocktail you wish.
just returned onshore after several weeks (dry) to find my watering hole dont sell beer!!!! What a bummer. I did hear about it while away, but thought it might be sorted by now, obviously not.
pork was available in the Centre, a bank manager friend was there on the day the police arrived and ordered it off the shelves following a single complaint. Managed to stock two freezers at home free of charge!
When I came in 94 there was a guard and a policeman stationed outside the bar of the Sofitel, examining IDs and turning back Muslims!
Things have changed but mutatis mutandis they can change back again very quickly
Way back in 1979 pork was available at the meat counter at "The Center".. I was only 5 years then and we had just shifted to Qatar. The Center was the only shopping center in Doha besides Muntuza Cooperative market which is now known is Al-Meera. I don't remember well but my mother says that back then pork was available but in 1980, they passed a law saying its illegal to sell pork in Qatar.
...and you could get a liquor license then (was thru the Brit Embassy, and prices -- and selection -- were a lot less; to give you a sense of the change: back then my limit was QR 500 and that bought about 2 boxes of cheap liquor; now my limit is almost QR 3000 and can buy a helluva lot more!).
You have never been able to import/export alcohol from Qatar as long as I've been here. And I've never known Qatar to sell pork (tho if you have a contact on the US base here, you can get it as they sell it at the PX there). Back then, people would make a run to the UAE, hit Spinneys, and have them label the pork as "veal", which they kindly did.
The rugby club didn't have a liquor license initially; you purchsed alcohol using your personal license and made a "donation" or contribution to the club's stash...and that was their supply.
There was a big black market for booze back then, too -- you could sell a box of vodka for almost $1000 USD.
Now the Qataris have taken over selling the alcohol thru QDC. Prices have increased, selection is better, but there are also more bars and hotels you can go to (back in '93 you only had the Doha Sheraton and the Gulf Sheraton (now the Marriott)).
Garveys and Rugby Club have always been unique in that they are the only non-hotel institutions that sell alcohol (Amigos was affiliated with the Al Dana Club which was run through the Qatar National Hotels Assoc. or whatever it's called).
Garveys is a great place -- low key, low maintenance, cheap prices, good food. While MOST bars here have generally started out with a bit of racial profiling (they have tried to not be overrun by Arabs/locals, at least initially), I have always managed to see a mixture of people in nearly every place I've gone to, including Garveys, so I don't think you can call them racist. I've seen all colors and nationalities in there.
That said, I will add that as a woman here, I get a very different vibe and feel from Arab guys than from western ones in bars here (so I haven't been tremendously upset when I've heard that a bar has engaged in a little racial profiling). Generally speaking, I end up feeling like a piece of meat, visually devoured by the Arabs...and it's not that the western guys aren't checking you out, but they somehow manage to do it in a way that feels less violating, if that makes any sense. Maybe it's the whole "Arabs don't have easy access to women in their culture, and they think all western women are whores" thing...but it's not a comfortable feeling as a western woman, and truth be told, I generally avoid bars that have a high percentage of Arab male regulars because you get tired of all the married, middle-aged guys staring at you...
But I digress....just wanted to add a little historical perspective to the "alcohol in Doha" conversation.
The first time I saw people drink was way back in 1998.. I went to the Ramada with a group of friends to celebrate someone's birthday and I saw people sitting and drinking there.. So it means five star hotels have had liquor license since or before 1998...
that the 11 workers are now out of jail but they are still struggling to open. Rumours has it that the police state they had a licence to buy alcohol but not to sell it....
I heard recently that a bank had set up an office here but could not find anyone to come and work in Doha because of it's reputation.
That kind of sums up Doha's problem all show and no go.
Qatar seems to think that's it's immune to the World, that perhaps it can escape the financial crisis.
Recent events in the Country paint the opposite picture, this country is suffering and will probably suffer badly.
Now I am not saying the Country is suddenly poor, I am arguing though that the financial crisis coupled with Qatar's intransigence towards it's ex-pat population means that it has no way to grow organically.
I know there will never be a shortage of people happy to move to Qatar, but will they be the right people, it's easy to attract people from poorer Arab states and the sub continent (although this is proving increasingly hard due to improved economies in those regions)
So there will always be people to run the shops,wash the cars and make the tea.
Who though, is going to shop in the boutiques, stay in the hotels, rent the offices and buy the property ?
You can't tell the world you are building the fastest growing economy if all that actually means is that you are producing more gas (which is actually the case)
I would prefer the country to be honest with us, if they don't want us to socialise in public shut all the bars and clubs ban anything that could be construed as "fun" and then I along with others will know where I stand.
I hear people here and on other forums say that Saudi was more fun, and I believe them, once you know where you stand your paradigm shifts you accept the status quo and adapt accordingly. Your life would revolve around a different type of socialising and a different type of "fun"
Qatar is continuing on a path not only of ruin but of ridicule, it's already known as the dullest place on earth, soon it will be the riches and dullest and unless they keep paying well also the emptiest.
well, it wouldn't surprise me if all things went back like it used to be before 1997.At the end, According to Qatar constitution , Qatar follows the wahabi sect of Sunna.Although I doubt that, Qatar still like to look modern when compared to Saudi
Plus all upcoming hotels (W, Grand Hyatt & Marriot Courtyard CC) will be accommodating Bars & lounges
Perhaps one reason for building the Pearl on the "side" is to move towards segregating the expats and giving them facilities in one single area, where they do not mingle with the "ordinary citizen"..
Saudi does this with Western Compounds and it works..
You can argue back and forth whether or not Qatar wants to be Dubai/Saudi, but the fact is, Qatar wants to attract people to live and invest here. That's why they built the Pearl and all the office towers in West Bay. Qatar wants people to live here.
That being the case, they are doing a really good job of driving them away of late. Each isolated incident may not seem like much, in and of itself, but the sum of all the parts paint the picture of a country that is heading well and truly down the path of being very conservative.
Bars are closing (Rydges, Amigos, Garvey's, Rugby club, the Library bar in Ramada is now closed to the public, etc).
Sheesha is being removed from all the 5 star hotels.
The internet is becoming more heavily censored.
There are talks about how satelite TV can and should be censored.
The Doha Players are being booted from their premises to build yet another shopping center (oh the irony... and meanwhile the NY Times is calling Qatar the cultural heart of the gulf???)
The salary requirements to sponsor your family are set to increase.
Family days are being increasingly strict and applied at a larger number of malls.
The NOC requirements to enter the country were extended to include a further 22 countries late last year.
A MARRIED couple was arrested and deported for holding hands in public.
It just doesn't paint for me the picture of a country that is actively trying to attract and retain a vibrant and diverse workforce.
I thoroughly understand that the Qatari government can and will implement whatever decisions regarding the above, but it all seems quite shortsighted to me when you have billions of dollars at stake in investments in real estate and commercial property.
just to update the rumour mill. That they have had to take down inside the drink advertisements. Now I can understand if they were plastered all over the walls outside enticing people to come in, but surely once you are in the place this is hardly going to affect you. Well apart from those nice Guiness adds with the toucan.....
And just because some of us enjoy having a drink now and again, doesn't mean we're demons! Not all of us have the intention of going out to get hammered - we just enjoy a glass or two of fine wine with our meals. Is that so wrong? And yes, we can drink at home, but that's not always what we want to do. Given the choice between a restaurant that is licensed, and one that is not, I know which one I would choose!
Aviduser - agree with you 100%.
And I hear that Garvey's management is hopeful of reopening this week.................
Garvey's closed, Rugby Club probably joining them soon, Doha Players on the list, membership for bars and clubs, family days only at shopping malls, the second QDC to open being cancelled, plus other things....
I'm not an expert but I would say that is a trend....
Mr. Paul: you seem to think we ALL do that, and keep re-iterating this "The Qataris come to Bahrain at weekends to get pissed anyway" when it's clearly not true.
If the expats didn't need an exit visa, then they'd all be off to Bahrain or Dubai for the weekend. Not only would Doha be empty, but can you imagine the chaos when they come back pissed...
don't know where you got the info about Qatar being a closed country...I have been here since 1985 and have had family/friends visiting on tourist visa since then. And, even though I worked in the media, I never heard of a Grand Opening???
The problem is Qatar NEEDS to attract more people to live in places like the Pearl and shop in the Malls and stay in the hotels.
I was thinking that recently I haven't seen many people asking questions about Qatar, a sign of the times perhaps ?
Or do people read this forum and think that the Country for all it's supposed openness actually doesn't very much care for the ex-pat population, a population without whom the country would not exist in it's current state.
To argue that there is always QDC is remarkably short sighted, people enjoy socialising, how can you attract senior executives and well paid white collar workers to your country if you say "you can have a drink only in your own home and forget about socialising" normal people think that sounds terrible and will give the region a miss. People want to enjoy their lives and their time here, drinking with friends is an essential element to that.
Qatar is remarkably schizophrenic it NEEDS well off expats to build and live here and at the same time essentially holds two fingers up to their face upon entering.
Qatar can't progress with this attitude and I have said before it is well on it's way to being a rather magnificent white elephant. And I am generally proved right.
I think the club membership has a lot to do with people getting drunk and punching each other: people who shouldn't really be drinking.
Everyone knows that the guys sitting outside the clubs all night are there to monitor behaviour, and it sounds like the drunkedness and the fighting have caused a change in the rules.
Hmm, not sure if I entirely agree with you avid. There are a lot of people here who have a social life without the bars, and if you want a drink there is always QDC.
Different things go in different countries, and I must say that if the bar scene is your thing perhaps Qatar is not the place to be. It is legal to smoke drugs in cafes in Amsterdam, if thats your thing then I guess Amsterdam is the place to be. Qatar is geared differently and I guess that we should make our choices based on our lifestyle.
Club membership for nightclubs, changing the entrance to Qube so it HAD to go through the Hotel, Closing Amigos. All these things add up to give he general impression that this Country only wants us to work here, shut up and not go out or do anything else.
And this reinforces Doha's already boring and dull image. This inturn makes people think twice about visiting, working or investing in the Country.
I am not sure if Qatar quite realises the impact of meddling.
I for one cannot see any future for a Country that treats it's ex-pat workforce so badly. And I am not talking just about the "Europeans" Everyone seems to be getting the shaft from the country.
This would not be a problem if they didn't actually want to attract people here. If there was no construction, no property being built and no hotels opening, none of this would matter, unfortunately they are doing all those things and it DOES matter.
Who wants to buy a property in a Country unwilling to let the end user have a drink without paying over the odds for it in a hotel, who wants to stay in a hotel here if the manager asks you to become a member just so you can have something to do in the evening.
It all adds up, last Winter the hotels were pleading with the authorities to improve the tourist numbers. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE IN A YEAR ?
And those low numbers were before all the new hotels come on to the market this year and next.
Dubai has essentially gone bust recently and they will cloud investor and visitor sentiment for a long time to come. Add in a credit crisis and this Country will only have themselves to blame when it all goes pear shaped.
That this added up with other little things happening out here of late, tend to insinuate that something is happening behind the scenes. There seems to be a slow shift in attitude. I wouldnt say going back to the dark ages but something is going on.
The reasons for this, now that would be interesting to know....
Regardless of whether you like the place or not, the fact is that the authorities arbitrarily closed the place down, gaoled and deported workers, and seriously damaged a lot of people's livelihoods with no warning, public explanation or discussion. Along with out-of-the-blue threat of eviction to the Doha Players, and lack of notice given to many people evicted from accommodation in Qatar this raises a lot of questions about personal and commercial confidence here.
I'm not really interested in this isssue, but from what I read in this thread, I expect that they don't have a license from the ministry of business, or they're using somebody else's for the last 5 years now (that's illegal).
I would also suspect that the employees jailed were not sponsored by them (especially if they don't have a business license, they couldn't be).
The issue of racism was discussed because of the fact that the club is called a 'European Family Club', and someone stated that the owners themselves say this means that only Europeans are allowed in, even though it's clear this isn't enforced.
Well Said, I concur completely. The individuals that bring up the question of Racism "are the Racists" as it is obviously on their minds all the time. If you don't like Garvey's, then don't go and keep your business to yourself.
Corcaoich actually said two of the Garvey's are married to SE Asians and not as you disrespectfully stated "like to sleep with Thai women".
I agree that just because you are married to a different Nationality / Race, does not prevent you from being racist or discriminatory towards other Nationalities or Race. I have black and white friends back home, in the UK, who have no issue with colour between them, (some are in mixed race marriages / partnerships), but some are Racist towards Indians/ Pakistani's. ( For the record - I don’t agree with it but it illustrates my point).
If Garvey's has been closed for failure in some sponsorship laws, licence laws or other legal formality, that’s fair enough, they will have to pay the price as we all do if we fail the strict but confusing legal system out here.
However, for people to start throwing the " racism card " every time something is disliked / disagreeable is all too frequent and one of the foremost social and professional idiosyncrasy’s created by the over zealous Political Correctness society. Its just too easy to make the allegation, whip up a storm and walk away.
The Garvey's are not racist. My Multi Cultural, mixed Raced, “all the colours of the rainbow“, social circle of friends, who have attended the place several times are living proof that its not true. Some people have never been, but are happy to jump on the bandwagon. Its become a classic example of “ throw enough mud and it sticks”
Anyway that’s my last word on the subject, unless someone , (as is the norm on QL these days), decides to make a personal attack on the my personal, honest experience.
Private clubs for expats serving alcohol long before ERA or Garvey's. There have been so many changes in such a short time how can anyone compare? How many people realize that Qatar was a closed country 5-6 years ago?? They did not issue Tourist or visit VISAs only work VISAS obtained in advance by your employer before entering Qatar. Then in the early 2000's (Sorry I forgot the exact year) they had the "Grand opening of Qatar" when they started allowing visitors to come. Things since then have changed dramatically. I know someone recruited by the Qatari goverment to be on the Grand Opening committee. They made a huge deal out of allowing visitors finaly to enter. Some Qataris have not been happpy with that decision and a number of "clashes" have resulted over the years. Qatar is obviously experiencing growing pains on many levels, let's just see how it all works out.
garveys has a sign saying european family club because they were not allowed to call it garveys at the time of opening. In common with the previous ERA club in the same premises there was clause in the lease, imposed by the landlord, saying no muslims were to be admitted. If you look vaguely Muslim you may be refused entry on that ground. It is laughable for people to talk about racism when two of the garveys are married to south asians.
I have seen all types of poeple in the place and have not seen any racist actions by any people there. I have only experianced good peaceful individuals enjoying themselves.
I don't believe they are racists, which is why I was surprised that they themselves apparently say that the "European" part of the title does indeed mean that only Europeans are allowed in.
It is up to the owner of any bar whether or not someone gets in or not, I know the Garveys and they are certainly not the racists that some posting on here would have you believe.
I am from UK and my wife is not she has a different passport and is not white, but I have a family membership so she is entitled to go in, as are manyb other members wife/husband DUH!
The place was originally for Europeans and the licence conditions reflected this, times have changed and there are a lot more foreigners here now, but at the end of the day they have every right to refuse admission to NON members.
I have read and heard many of the rumours circulating, none of which are true, I myself was at a party at the Sharq on New Years eve, they had a full blown party, live band, alcohol on sale etc etc, the police never went there and shut that down or arrested the owner and staff, I wonder why.
Lets wait and see what happens, they have done nothing wrong, are Legally allowed to open and will re-open soon.
If you dont like the place, then don't go, you wont be missed by those that enjoy going there. If you would like to go then do what the rest of us do to gaurantee entry PAY for a membership
as I said It's just what I can pieced together from people who have been here for awhile. Although the part about it being The European club and it being one of the only places you could get a drink before the inception of major hotels her is pretty much as accurate as far as I can find out....
People forget (and again this is all here say from people that have been here awhile)You used to be able to once purchase pork and bring in alcohol into Qatar about 10 years back (again not really sure how long it's been since you've not been able to do this but apparently you could).
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
Before most of the major chain hotels that served alcohol (and I am going back at least 10 years here possibly more)there was the European club which is now known as Garveys the Garvey family from what knowledge I have gained from people who have lived here for some time only took it over 5 years ago to keep the premises licensed they had to retain the European family club name in title otherwise they wouldn't have been allowed to keep the liquor license or apply for a new one which they would have never been granted.
The European Club was one of the only places in Doha to serve Alcohol this included hotels.
Since the take over 5 years ago and infact one could even go as far as saying they never really wanted it to be taken over and the establishment of Major Hotels with Liquor Licenses it has been rumored that the cops have been itching to shut it down.
there is also some feeling that the same is true for the Rugby Club....
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
For that reason I would have to agree with you, call it A LEGITIMIZE REASON.
The last time I visit Garveys was almost 2 years ago, Had a pretty good meal with a close friend of mines, who is a black American. They let us in for free and we had dinner.
Since then No more, too much hazel, the road conditions in that area.
But we did witness a group of people get kick out of that place, What was the reasons for it? Until today, don't know.
If the court drop the case against them, Why is it that seems they are close permanently,? Why arrest the workers,? It should be the management, who should be dealt with, not the workers.
On the couple of occasions I've been there I've seen non-European, non-white, non-American people there, so they obviously don't enforce their own policy very well!
I reiterate - if that is there policy, enforced or not, then I'm glad they're being shut down.
harry99 - it may not cause concentration, but would maybe cause consternation!!
I know many families who go there at the weekends so they can have a good meal and use the pool. Ok, it's not the greatest place on earth, but a lot of people like it. If it's not for you, then fine.
I feel sorry for the Garvey brothers who have worked hard to build the place up. And also for the guys who work there and will lose their jobs. There are also a lot of single guys who live in the accommodation there who benefit socially from having somewhere to hang out with friends, have a drink and something to eat.
By the way, I also heard about the new 'law' about having to be a club member before you can buy alcohol in a bar, club, hotel, etc. Seems to me Doha is going backwards not forwards...............
hmmm i go to garveys a fair bit , and i aint a member , aint a caucasian/white/european but i get to go in every time.....ty garveys hope everything settles down soon.....
It means that you have to have a European passport to get in. If you don't believe me MattyHardingLower then you can ask the Garvey's themselves. However all white people or those with an American accent are allowed in as well.
This rumour is never ending. Yes alot of Europeans use it, yes the sign outside states that it is a European Family Club, but when I have been I have been with a group of mixed race, multi cultural friends. Never had a problem, ever.
Stop the B/S. If peole dont like it, dont go. Theres alot more who do like it and want to see it re-open.
I'll say it again but it seems to me some ex-pats are out to discredit the place out of personal spite. Were talking about a family whose livelihood is at stake. I personally have found all the Garvey's honest, likeable, welcoming people.
Within a week the Sports Bar at The Ramada had to quit opening in the afternoons because of the chaos caused (pool tables chucked about, local lad's unable to hold their drink, fighting etc etc)
I heard theres a new captain in the Al Aziziyah (or whatever) district Garveys is in and he's stamping down on shitty dives, like, for example Garveys!
Rugby club has always been members only. Guests are allowed 2x per year at QR10 a time. The 'strict' is on showing your card as some 'regular' visitors were not actually members!
it would be nice if somebody would give us the real story though,.. we also go there from time to time and would like to know how long it's gonna stay closed...
Maybe the owner of the land wanted it back, just like the Rugby club's did, but didn't fell like going through the whole procedure.... so, maybe not vendetta, but just a business prospect?
Rather harsh if that was the reason, though...
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
I certainly hope that It's not closed. It's one of the few places my wife and son (Family) can go and relax, during the hours while I am working, without having to spend a fortune to do so. I hope that the owners and staff are well.
There are lots of people who live in the Compound are there not? And didnt they just open a new club/compound near the north road? Was it also closed down? Could this be a problem for people that live there if its not sorted. Will it eventually affect all the holdings of Mr. Garvey? Let us pray.....lots of folk livin there and cheap flats / beer is hard to find in Doha.
Still closed, and they don't know when (or even IF) they will re-open. over 20 staff in jail - not sure why, some problem with work visas or something. Sounds to me as if someone has it in for Garvey's...............
some people have been telling tales to the Police....anyone????
If you dont like Garveys stay away. Ive been maybe 6 times in 2 years, it's ok, it is what it is. Ive met one or two obnoxious people in there, but Ive met more on here..
They have had the place for 5 years, with a liquor licence and the police only just realised it was called Garvey's European FAMILY Club?
Me thinks the police have to much time on their hands...
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
@ Sheraton- Hed Kandi-The Circus NYE...it was crowdy, everyone was jumping, partying, drinking, smiling, and waiting for the 2009, we didn't have the countdown coz of the Gaza situation...but in general it was one of the best parties ever!
As for Garveys and 5 other clubs were closed before midnight due to the war in Gaza.
No its not a malicious rumour - we were there. Chris Garvey came on stage at 10.45pm and said could everyone leave NOW and leave their drinks CID were there and they were closing the place down. At first we thought it was something to do with the Palestian thing but then it turned out that the police had taken offense to the sign saying "European FAMILY Club" - it was the family bit they didn't like.
So in typical Qatar style they decided to close it down an hour and a quarter before New Year!!
I understand Mel Garvey was arrested along with several of the workforce and the police were trying to say that Garveys was trading illegally. I understand Mel appeared in Court on New Years Day and the Judge asked him if he had a licence and he said yes and then how long had he had it and he said 5 years. The judge kicked the case out as wasting the courts time.
I don't think any one was grieving. People just had a Plan B...meaning, they went elsewhere to celebrate. Personally, my hubby and I celebrated here, at the house. No extra fireworks necessary. :)
And as far as the reason...(Not you, Harry99) it is traditional, in many places on the planet earth, to celebrate a NEW Year. Thus, a New Year's celebration. It's not fun having to explain that.
I was at The Centre around midday on NYE. A group of local youths came out of the Mall carrying 4 HUGE balloons which, linked together, made a floating 2 0 0 9.
I guess they weren't worried about any ban on their planned NYE party. :D
I guess, in a way, it did take an act of God to close Garvey's. Word on the street is that Garvey's owners did not follow the rules and played music to help ring in the new year. They did not curb their celebration so the police came in and arrested the bartenders and owners. Patrons were told to leave. Until further notice, Garvey's is closed.
I also heard that two people were told to remove their derby-like New Year's hats at the Ramada.
Seems like Dubai, Bahrain, Doha and other places were banned from partying like it was 2009!
I don't know where was he drinking, but I was just doing my humanitarian favor to my friend. Surely I was hearing the music from outside. i did work last night, dammed I was tired and drain, until the phone call. I don't give a rat ass for that place anyhow.
i saw people outside waiting for a taxi and others going through the gates, but the great majority were completely blitz away....
Hmmm Red Pope - well my friend was neither drunk nor obnoxious, and was celebrating with his wife and other friends. He actually rents a villa at Garvey's. Had just bought a bottle of champagne ready to see in the New Year when the police arrived. He had to leave it there so was a bit pissed off!! The DJ was telling people to leave, that it was not a joke. Maybe your friend was drinking at one of the houses/apartments on Garvey's compound?
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and send it to the government!! This thread has generated a large number of replies so everyone must be missing Garvey's for one reason or another....
The everyone's happy theory... it's quite beautifull really *sniff sniff*
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ROFL. I didn't say anything about the British, I said I don't like hanging out with guys who've been pounding back beers since noon and are passed out and rowdy. Hence why I didn't like Garvey's and why I want it to re-open so all those people can go back to it.
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Logged off, deleted his profile, bugged out, done one.
lmao she didn't say anything anti british.
Anyway, the british tend to be slightly moronic *raises hand*
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So I guess there are a couple of new haunts but we are still 'cursed' by the clientele. Fear not, when the town is done being built and the big money moves in, it'll be 'civilized?' here.
Thanks for the update Gypsy.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
-Thomas Tusser
Did someone spill some Stella on your Fake Jimmy Choo's. Grow up. You might not be as important as you pretend to be?
Your anti British rants are boring now!
Lets hope a new bar opens just for Gypsy....
So do we need membership for the bars?..I have not been out since the membership started.. Update please..
-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
Tig you just so high classs man...
Golf on Sat???
You can't teach experience...
I've been to the restaurants and the spa. I saw Beckham in the lobby. Haven't been to the bars cause I'm not really drinking much anymore. Maddisson is at La Cigale.
Huh? I thought you were at the opening and hanging out in the Crystal Lounge with Beckham et al.
What is the Maddisson? How come no one has told me about this place. Where is it?
Just call me Tigasin. That's what I'm talking about
I havent' been to the W bars yet, or Grand Hyatt. But yes, I do hope the garveys crowd stay away...the Madisson, Sky View and Pearl Crowd to. :p
I like the Wahm bar, especially those Cabanas where you can sit outside and close the drapes.
I am also curious to try out the bars in the Grand Hyatt. Has anyone been there yet?
Just call me Tigasin. That's what I'm talking about
Must admit i noticed it in manhatten the other night.
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Sameal, you used to not get that at Bubbles or Habanos, because the "lager boys" never went there. Now they've taken it over and it's really ruined those places. :(
Where can you go for a drink and a fun dance? cheesey music.
Well you are going to have that regardless of what is and isn't open.
I agree though, there is usually an aura of arrogance when a group of of lager lads come together. That was the one reason i didn't like garvey's for so long, when aussie legends shut down i tried a few places. Irish harp is ok when it is quiet, not too keen on it on a busy night. Sherizad, well it's not the best that's for sure, still reasonably priced but tends to have a few problems on a busy night. Orions, just don't like the atmosphere there and i can't get comfortable. Bubbles, not for me, i'll take a girl there because ladies generally enjoy the place. Palomas, not too keen on it, and it's quite far from me, as is ritz.
so that pretty much left me with the rugby club and garvey's. Garvey's you wouldn't catch me dead in on a busy night, but when it's quiet i did like it well enough.
I just miss Amigos.
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If you go to any other bar in Doha now, like Bubbles at Ramada, Irish Harp, even Habanos at the Ritz they are packed to the gills with former Garveys and Rydges patrons. You dont' notice it so much at the Harp, but when big groups of drunken British men start cheering when a glass breaks or shouting and carrying on, you notice it at Bubbles and it's not very nice.
What other places? How many have opened since Garvey's and Legends have closed?
A fool and his money are soon parted.
-Thomas Tusser
I got a map somewhere... have to look for it, Sadly they don't serve haggis
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I only hope they open again so that all those old Garvey's customers can go back and stop filling up all the other places.
Send directions at once.. Do they serve Haggis?
It's not actually in al khor though... it's just up the north road a little ways past landmark... so it isn't really that far
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I am happy they closed because of their selective entry policy
[img_assist|nid=50852|title=hmm|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
let's all go,go,go then to alkhor! :-)
mo lang!
that the new venue in Al Khor they opened would probably stay open (and that they were getting all their paperwork in order for alcohol to be served there), but that the Doha one would most likely shut down and not re-open. :-(
Local politics are to blame, from what I have heard...
I was just getting used to the place being closed. Mind you, good Fish n Chips & Bangers n Mash. Maybe I will pay another visit soon.
I heard there is another Garvey's outside of town. No?
A fool and his money are soon parted.
-Thomas Tusser
It's open for food at the moment, just no ones really goes... their offices are still working
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Ahh k, cheers, so, RP, ID, Money = Good times as.
david, just go to garvey's when they are open and pay up the membership fee. don't forget your RP with you.
mo lang!
^^^ Yeah, what he said. Where do you get my membership?!?!?
Never forget the things that really do matter...
How does one atain a membership?
Aaahhhhhhhh... DRINK!
Probably going to be members only now. Get yer apps in fast
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Awsome, i will be able to go experience Garveys for the first time, and it's walking distance from where i live. Booya.
WHAT??Really?!! Fab!
Confirmed yesterday that agreement has been reached with municipality and Garvey's can reopen.
Should be within next 2 weeks. FACT.
what they hope to acheive by this.
A place that did not cause any trouble to the local community and adding something for the expats is closed forever.
Latest is that the tenants who live in the apartments/villas there were all served with eviction notices by the landlord (not Garvey's) last week. Think the court case is due to be heard on 15th March, but not looking hopeful..........
Havent heard anything for a while
Yes, it was in the newspaper maybe a week ago or more. No real reason except the questioning of a valid license blah, blah, blah...
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Has this news appeared in the papers yet? Gulf Times or Peninsula? I don't recall reading about it anywhere else besides QL...
Last week, the 22 employees that had been jailed and released were deported. A good friend saw them leaving as they were saying their good-byes.
Heard that there is a court date in February.
We'll just have to wait and see.
Y in a drunken state...
You the man for pointing this out
Actulally you can teach experience in some cases...
Don't wonder drunk in highways please..
Vegas out
You can't teach experience...
Newa report staes that "eateries" (I love the Hinglish in the local english language press, sleuths, nabbed etc. etc.)are going to be barred from residential areas but will be ok in Malls etc. This looks like a policy emerging to concentrate all retailing and food services in estabished commercial centres with consequent concentration of services in high rent buildings to someone's anvantage other than the consumers. I worked near the Sheraton for 3 years, the nearest place to buy a newspaper, cigarettes, sandwich or anything else was the City Centre. So much so that it became impossible to visit the place at any time of day without a lengthy search for a parking place, and of course the majority of the Towers aren't even open yet. Such policies concentrating services together add towards the congestion which is threatening to choke the Commercial and social life of the city. Is Garveys another victim of such a concentration policy?
Probably a good thing, because as we all know, drink pollutes the mind and harms the individual...
As we are told in the Bible (proverbs 23:28-32)..
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder
and its extremely unlikely to open again. In Qatar the wind direction is changing...
Is that true ?
can any one tell me whr is gravy's?? iz it a Club??
Welcome was the best and the oldest Indian restaurant in Qatar. It was the typical family weekend hang out where you could get delicious food at affordable prices from all parts of India.. They had south Indian snacks, North Indian curries, chaats, sweets etc.. They had opened in 1980 and we used to go there very frequently. Suddenly, one fine day, they closed down.. It was sometime in 2005.. No reason, no excuse, no explanation.. Many people have come up with different versions as to why ti was closed down but no one knows for sure.. Some people say that they were serving lunch during Ramadan.. Some say they used to server alcohol to some of their special costumers.. Some say their rivals Garden restaurant had them closed down.. But so far, no one knows the real reason..
15 th March is when they can apply for there soft drinks/food license as it got refused today at court. Garveys is going down !!!!!!!!!!!!
What's amigos? what did they have? what was too good to be true? why did it close?
when Amigos opened, I thought it was too good to be true ...
it's true that some things were happening there that some people in the authority did not like, but then they also happen at various hotels but then maybe the money was not going in the right pockets.... a la Amigo's....
exiled,
If that's true, then something must have happened there that the authorities didn't like.
and eventually they got their way. It will never reopen and the authorities will find ways of keeping it shut without actually saying its their aim. The court case has been adjourned until 15 March as I understand and they will keep stringing them along until they either run out of money to fight the courts cases or just give up in frustration.
No one, not even the police has stated that they were running an illegal business. If you think the sale and consumption of alcohol is haram, then that is your business but don't start throwing accusations around you can't back up.
What about Qatar cold stores? They closed down as well or what? I remember we used to go there very often years ago.. Then other places opened up nearby and we almost forgot it existed.. What happened to it?
I don't know what permits they had, but there's something fishy.
I think you have possibly hit the nail on the head.
The Garveys were probably a victim of their own success.
Don't forget Qatar Cold Stores down by Volkswagen Roundabout!
The problem seems to be, nobody really appears to know what the exact situation in the law IS. I heard that Garvey's have EXACTLY the same permits, licences, etc that all the major hotels in Doha have too. So.............does that mean the Ritz, Ramada, Four Seasons, etc are also making millions on illegal business??
This just smacks of a vendetta to have the place closed down - whether or not you like Garvey's is immaterial. Those guys worked hard to build up that business, which was much appreciated by hundreds of people. They employed dozens of staff too, and now what's going to happen to them? We're talking about people's livelihoods here.
I expect that "Garvey's has made millions on illegal business"
there is no evidence that the law has changed over a night....so Garvey's has made millions on illegal business???????????????.
its the country that has forced that upon them. If they wanted to shut it down they could have given them notice and then in an orderly way they could have disposed of assets and stock and laid off the workers properly.
When you live in a country and you don't if the laws are going to change overnight, then its not a good place to do business.
I heard that the owner has made millions from Garveys and will retire to some Island in the sun now.
I heared that the Garvey's is in bankrupt possition..??? employees r going to be terminated without paying what they eligible???....
Garvey's will reopen??? My feeling is that it is gone for good and this was part of a plan.
Dear Gypsy and anyone else who may be able to help...can you please tell me where I can find a news article or anything related to the change in law, allowing Qataris to buy alcohol? I am writing a book on the Gulf and the "threat" to traditional culture posed by outsiders and outside influences, and this would be very good for my research.
You can PM me if that's easier.
Cheers,
Airsign
Why close the Rugby Club.
I enjoy going to the Rugby club and Garvey's as there is a friendly atmosphere, a bit rough and ready.
If they have done nothing bad to you, don't knock em!
Firewater said to Red Pope ...
Why close the rugby club, can you not get in - jerk
Tue, 06/01/2009 - 5:33p
To answer to your question: I could enter any place I choose from anytime, anywhere.
The Question is: Why do you like that place so much?
Is not like I personally give a rat-ass about the Rugby Club. Is not my prefer Cup of Tea.
The Ramada was the first to sell alcohol, that was downstairs in Maxims and that started in about 1993/4.
There had been talk about the hotels going wet for a number of years (certainly from 1986) when the argument was how you could stop people going into a place and just ordering beer. One suggestion had been that they could only spend on alcohol what they had spent on food.
The Qatar General Petroleum Offshore Operation's Falcon Club had a fully operational and licenced bar until it was closed in 1983.
Booze permits were issued either by the British Embassy or if you were QGPC staff, bby the company (QGPC) who had their own supply store (originally behind the Falcon Club and latterly at RAA). The British Embassy site was at the "house on the hill" not that far from the existing QDC. Both were non profit making organisations.
Another fact is that Haris who now works at the QDC was senior barman at the Falcon Club bar and is the best barman anyone is likely to find in Qatar. He can make any cocktail you wish.
just returned onshore after several weeks (dry) to find my watering hole dont sell beer!!!! What a bummer. I did hear about it while away, but thought it might be sorted by now, obviously not.
Ah well, Rugby club it is.
Just got the same article in an email - so they had a license to buy alcohol, but not to sell it. Very niaive indeed!
Did you Google it first?
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=266244&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
pork was available in the Centre, a bank manager friend was there on the day the police arrived and ordered it off the shelves following a single complaint. Managed to stock two freezers at home free of charge!
When I came in 94 there was a guard and a policeman stationed outside the bar of the Sofitel, examining IDs and turning back Muslims!
Things have changed but mutatis mutandis they can change back again very quickly
:(
Way back in 1979 pork was available at the meat counter at "The Center".. I was only 5 years then and we had just shifted to Qatar. The Center was the only shopping center in Doha besides Muntuza Cooperative market which is now known is Al-Meera. I don't remember well but my mother says that back then pork was available but in 1980, they passed a law saying its illegal to sell pork in Qatar.
...and you could get a liquor license then (was thru the Brit Embassy, and prices -- and selection -- were a lot less; to give you a sense of the change: back then my limit was QR 500 and that bought about 2 boxes of cheap liquor; now my limit is almost QR 3000 and can buy a helluva lot more!).
You have never been able to import/export alcohol from Qatar as long as I've been here. And I've never known Qatar to sell pork (tho if you have a contact on the US base here, you can get it as they sell it at the PX there). Back then, people would make a run to the UAE, hit Spinneys, and have them label the pork as "veal", which they kindly did.
The rugby club didn't have a liquor license initially; you purchsed alcohol using your personal license and made a "donation" or contribution to the club's stash...and that was their supply.
There was a big black market for booze back then, too -- you could sell a box of vodka for almost $1000 USD.
Now the Qataris have taken over selling the alcohol thru QDC. Prices have increased, selection is better, but there are also more bars and hotels you can go to (back in '93 you only had the Doha Sheraton and the Gulf Sheraton (now the Marriott)).
Garveys and Rugby Club have always been unique in that they are the only non-hotel institutions that sell alcohol (Amigos was affiliated with the Al Dana Club which was run through the Qatar National Hotels Assoc. or whatever it's called).
Garveys is a great place -- low key, low maintenance, cheap prices, good food. While MOST bars here have generally started out with a bit of racial profiling (they have tried to not be overrun by Arabs/locals, at least initially), I have always managed to see a mixture of people in nearly every place I've gone to, including Garveys, so I don't think you can call them racist. I've seen all colors and nationalities in there.
That said, I will add that as a woman here, I get a very different vibe and feel from Arab guys than from western ones in bars here (so I haven't been tremendously upset when I've heard that a bar has engaged in a little racial profiling). Generally speaking, I end up feeling like a piece of meat, visually devoured by the Arabs...and it's not that the western guys aren't checking you out, but they somehow manage to do it in a way that feels less violating, if that makes any sense. Maybe it's the whole "Arabs don't have easy access to women in their culture, and they think all western women are whores" thing...but it's not a comfortable feeling as a western woman, and truth be told, I generally avoid bars that have a high percentage of Arab male regulars because you get tired of all the married, middle-aged guys staring at you...
But I digress....just wanted to add a little historical perspective to the "alcohol in Doha" conversation.
The first time I saw people drink was way back in 1998.. I went to the Ramada with a group of friends to celebrate someone's birthday and I saw people sitting and drinking there.. So it means five star hotels have had liquor license since or before 1998...
hmm sounds like trouble for them...
that the 11 workers are now out of jail but they are still struggling to open. Rumours has it that the police state they had a licence to buy alcohol but not to sell it....
Your points are better made than mine.
I heard recently that a bank had set up an office here but could not find anyone to come and work in Doha because of it's reputation.
That kind of sums up Doha's problem all show and no go.
Qatar seems to think that's it's immune to the World, that perhaps it can escape the financial crisis.
Recent events in the Country paint the opposite picture, this country is suffering and will probably suffer badly.
Now I am not saying the Country is suddenly poor, I am arguing though that the financial crisis coupled with Qatar's intransigence towards it's ex-pat population means that it has no way to grow organically.
I know there will never be a shortage of people happy to move to Qatar, but will they be the right people, it's easy to attract people from poorer Arab states and the sub continent (although this is proving increasingly hard due to improved economies in those regions)
So there will always be people to run the shops,wash the cars and make the tea.
Who though, is going to shop in the boutiques, stay in the hotels, rent the offices and buy the property ?
You can't tell the world you are building the fastest growing economy if all that actually means is that you are producing more gas (which is actually the case)
I would prefer the country to be honest with us, if they don't want us to socialise in public shut all the bars and clubs ban anything that could be construed as "fun" and then I along with others will know where I stand.
I hear people here and on other forums say that Saudi was more fun, and I believe them, once you know where you stand your paradigm shifts you accept the status quo and adapt accordingly. Your life would revolve around a different type of socialising and a different type of "fun"
Qatar is continuing on a path not only of ruin but of ridicule, it's already known as the dullest place on earth, soon it will be the riches and dullest and unless they keep paying well also the emptiest.
So was mine... Strange, but most people wouldn't believe us..
well, it wouldn't surprise me if all things went back like it used to be before 1997.At the end, According to Qatar constitution , Qatar follows the wahabi sect of Sunna.Although I doubt that, Qatar still like to look modern when compared to Saudi
Plus all upcoming hotels (W, Grand Hyatt & Marriot Courtyard CC) will be accommodating Bars & lounges
Perhaps one reason for building the Pearl on the "side" is to move towards segregating the expats and giving them facilities in one single area, where they do not mingle with the "ordinary citizen"..
Saudi does this with Western Compounds and it works..
fubar alexa.... yep something going down behind the scenes
i have also noted more stores respecting the call to prayer recently
you add all the things up as fubar did...there does seem to be a non publicised shifting in attitude...
which contradicts the prevailing trend of building stuff like the Pearl
I'm going to have to agree with Avid on this one.
You can argue back and forth whether or not Qatar wants to be Dubai/Saudi, but the fact is, Qatar wants to attract people to live and invest here. That's why they built the Pearl and all the office towers in West Bay. Qatar wants people to live here.
That being the case, they are doing a really good job of driving them away of late. Each isolated incident may not seem like much, in and of itself, but the sum of all the parts paint the picture of a country that is heading well and truly down the path of being very conservative.
Bars are closing (Rydges, Amigos, Garvey's, Rugby club, the Library bar in Ramada is now closed to the public, etc).
Sheesha is being removed from all the 5 star hotels.
The internet is becoming more heavily censored.
There are talks about how satelite TV can and should be censored.
The Doha Players are being booted from their premises to build yet another shopping center (oh the irony... and meanwhile the NY Times is calling Qatar the cultural heart of the gulf???)
The salary requirements to sponsor your family are set to increase.
Family days are being increasingly strict and applied at a larger number of malls.
The NOC requirements to enter the country were extended to include a further 22 countries late last year.
A MARRIED couple was arrested and deported for holding hands in public.
It just doesn't paint for me the picture of a country that is actively trying to attract and retain a vibrant and diverse workforce.
I thoroughly understand that the Qatari government can and will implement whatever decisions regarding the above, but it all seems quite shortsighted to me when you have billions of dollars at stake in investments in real estate and commercial property.
just to update the rumour mill. That they have had to take down inside the drink advertisements. Now I can understand if they were plastered all over the walls outside enticing people to come in, but surely once you are in the place this is hardly going to affect you. Well apart from those nice Guiness adds with the toucan.....
And just because some of us enjoy having a drink now and again, doesn't mean we're demons! Not all of us have the intention of going out to get hammered - we just enjoy a glass or two of fine wine with our meals. Is that so wrong? And yes, we can drink at home, but that's not always what we want to do. Given the choice between a restaurant that is licensed, and one that is not, I know which one I would choose!
Aviduser - agree with you 100%.
And I hear that Garvey's management is hopeful of reopening this week.................
Garvey's closed, Rugby Club probably joining them soon, Doha Players on the list, membership for bars and clubs, family days only at shopping malls, the second QDC to open being cancelled, plus other things....
I'm not an expert but I would say that is a trend....
Bleu, you are quite correct. Not all of them go to Bahrain ... The rest of them were in the Ramada last night ;o)
Did you Google it first?
Same with saudis,kuwaitis and emirates.
But why does it bother you, after all, what your fellow countrymen do, is really not yer worry now is it.
"A man may fight for many things.His country,his friends,his principles,the glistening tear on the cheek of a golden child.
But personally,I'd mud wrestle my own mother for a ton of cash, an amusing clock and a sackful of porn."
Blackadder.
You can still have fun...QDC, hotels and home parties are enough...Let's keep Qatar clean...
You can't teach experience...
Mr. Paul: you seem to think we ALL do that, and keep re-iterating this "The Qataris come to Bahrain at weekends to get pissed anyway" when it's clearly not true.
Why do you do that?
If the expats didn't need an exit visa, then they'd all be off to Bahrain or Dubai for the weekend. Not only would Doha be empty, but can you imagine the chaos when they come back pissed...
at weekends to get pissed anyway, so why should they really give a crap about the expats having a social life.
They can come and go as they please, whilst expats need an exit vise to leave......
"A man may fight for many things.His country,his friends,his principles,the glistening tear on the cheek of a golden child.
But personally,I'd mud wrestle my own mother for a ton of cash, an amusing clock and a sackful of porn."
Blackadder.
don't know where you got the info about Qatar being a closed country...I have been here since 1985 and have had family/friends visiting on tourist visa since then. And, even though I worked in the media, I never heard of a Grand Opening???
Or it's likely to be bankrupt very shortly.
The problem is Qatar NEEDS to attract more people to live in places like the Pearl and shop in the Malls and stay in the hotels.
I was thinking that recently I haven't seen many people asking questions about Qatar, a sign of the times perhaps ?
Or do people read this forum and think that the Country for all it's supposed openness actually doesn't very much care for the ex-pat population, a population without whom the country would not exist in it's current state.
To argue that there is always QDC is remarkably short sighted, people enjoy socialising, how can you attract senior executives and well paid white collar workers to your country if you say "you can have a drink only in your own home and forget about socialising" normal people think that sounds terrible and will give the region a miss. People want to enjoy their lives and their time here, drinking with friends is an essential element to that.
Qatar is remarkably schizophrenic it NEEDS well off expats to build and live here and at the same time essentially holds two fingers up to their face upon entering.
Qatar can't progress with this attitude and I have said before it is well on it's way to being a rather magnificent white elephant. And I am generally proved right.
I think the club membership has a lot to do with people getting drunk and punching each other: people who shouldn't really be drinking.
Everyone knows that the guys sitting outside the clubs all night are there to monitor behaviour, and it sounds like the drunkedness and the fighting have caused a change in the rules.
Agree with your comments. However, perhaps Qatar has given the impression (rightly or wrongly) that it is a Dubai Wanabee...
Hmm, not sure if I entirely agree with you avid. There are a lot of people here who have a social life without the bars, and if you want a drink there is always QDC.
Different things go in different countries, and I must say that if the bar scene is your thing perhaps Qatar is not the place to be. It is legal to smoke drugs in cafes in Amsterdam, if thats your thing then I guess Amsterdam is the place to be. Qatar is geared differently and I guess that we should make our choices based on our lifestyle.
_____________________________________________________
"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
Club membership for nightclubs, changing the entrance to Qube so it HAD to go through the Hotel, Closing Amigos. All these things add up to give he general impression that this Country only wants us to work here, shut up and not go out or do anything else.
And this reinforces Doha's already boring and dull image. This inturn makes people think twice about visiting, working or investing in the Country.
I am not sure if Qatar quite realises the impact of meddling.
I for one cannot see any future for a Country that treats it's ex-pat workforce so badly. And I am not talking just about the "Europeans" Everyone seems to be getting the shaft from the country.
This would not be a problem if they didn't actually want to attract people here. If there was no construction, no property being built and no hotels opening, none of this would matter, unfortunately they are doing all those things and it DOES matter.
Who wants to buy a property in a Country unwilling to let the end user have a drink without paying over the odds for it in a hotel, who wants to stay in a hotel here if the manager asks you to become a member just so you can have something to do in the evening.
It all adds up, last Winter the hotels were pleading with the authorities to improve the tourist numbers. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE IN A YEAR ?
And those low numbers were before all the new hotels come on to the market this year and next.
Dubai has essentially gone bust recently and they will cloud investor and visitor sentiment for a long time to come. Add in a credit crisis and this Country will only have themselves to blame when it all goes pear shaped.
not quite 250 characters mr c :)
That this added up with other little things happening out here of late, tend to insinuate that something is happening behind the scenes. There seems to be a slow shift in attitude. I wouldnt say going back to the dark ages but something is going on.
The reasons for this, now that would be interesting to know....
[URL=http://www.avatarist.com]Avatars[/URL]
Just because Garvey's is closed down (We don't know for what real reason) does not mean that Qatar has suddenly reverted to the dark ages..
On the closed country, no tourist visa issue. I came here in 1998 on a tourist visa, and didnt actually get my RP until 1999.
____________________________________________________
"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
I liked, and enjoyed time there...
Its confirmed? Closed with no chance of reopening?
Sad...
War looking for peace,
is like fornication looking for virginity.
Things definitely seem to be taking two steps back around here...
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Regardless of whether you like the place or not, the fact is that the authorities arbitrarily closed the place down, gaoled and deported workers, and seriously damaged a lot of people's livelihoods with no warning, public explanation or discussion. Along with out-of-the-blue threat of eviction to the Doha Players, and lack of notice given to many people evicted from accommodation in Qatar this raises a lot of questions about personal and commercial confidence here.
I heard that the staff had been sent home as in plane journey..yesterday
I spoke with Brian Garvey out side the Villagio on Tuesday evening.
He was telling me that they were still not sure as to why they were closed down.
Also that as of Tuesday 11 of the staff were still in the Jail.
you'll be getting hee haw...
I'm not really interested in this isssue, but from what I read in this thread, I expect that they don't have a license from the ministry of business, or they're using somebody else's for the last 5 years now (that's illegal).
I would also suspect that the employees jailed were not sponsored by them (especially if they don't have a business license, they couldn't be).
The issue of racism was discussed because of the fact that the club is called a 'European Family Club', and someone stated that the owners themselves say this means that only Europeans are allowed in, even though it's clear this isn't enforced.
Well Said, I concur completely. The individuals that bring up the question of Racism "are the Racists" as it is obviously on their minds all the time. If you don't like Garvey's, then don't go and keep your business to yourself.
Corcaoich actually said two of the Garvey's are married to SE Asians and not as you disrespectfully stated "like to sleep with Thai women".
I agree that just because you are married to a different Nationality / Race, does not prevent you from being racist or discriminatory towards other Nationalities or Race. I have black and white friends back home, in the UK, who have no issue with colour between them, (some are in mixed race marriages / partnerships), but some are Racist towards Indians/ Pakistani's. ( For the record - I don’t agree with it but it illustrates my point).
If Garvey's has been closed for failure in some sponsorship laws, licence laws or other legal formality, that’s fair enough, they will have to pay the price as we all do if we fail the strict but confusing legal system out here.
However, for people to start throwing the " racism card " every time something is disliked / disagreeable is all too frequent and one of the foremost social and professional idiosyncrasy’s created by the over zealous Political Correctness society. Its just too easy to make the allegation, whip up a storm and walk away.
The Garvey's are not racist. My Multi Cultural, mixed Raced, “all the colours of the rainbow“, social circle of friends, who have attended the place several times are living proof that its not true. Some people have never been, but are happy to jump on the bandwagon. Its become a classic example of “ throw enough mud and it sticks”
Anyway that’s my last word on the subject, unless someone , (as is the norm on QL these days), decides to make a personal attack on the my personal, honest experience.
[URL=http://www.avatarist.com]Avatars[/URL]
LOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!
Private clubs for expats serving alcohol long before ERA or Garvey's. There have been so many changes in such a short time how can anyone compare? How many people realize that Qatar was a closed country 5-6 years ago?? They did not issue Tourist or visit VISAs only work VISAS obtained in advance by your employer before entering Qatar. Then in the early 2000's (Sorry I forgot the exact year) they had the "Grand opening of Qatar" when they started allowing visitors to come. Things since then have changed dramatically. I know someone recruited by the Qatari goverment to be on the Grand Opening committee. They made a huge deal out of allowing visitors finaly to enter. Some Qataris have not been happpy with that decision and a number of "clashes" have resulted over the years. Qatar is obviously experiencing growing pains on many levels, let's just see how it all works out.
corcaoich
Go on then, tell us what a Muslim looks like.
"I can't be racist because I like to sleep with Thai women" isn't a particularly winning argument. Let's see how many South Asian men they let in.
garveys has a sign saying european family club because they were not allowed to call it garveys at the time of opening. In common with the previous ERA club in the same premises there was clause in the lease, imposed by the landlord, saying no muslims were to be admitted. If you look vaguely Muslim you may be refused entry on that ground. It is laughable for people to talk about racism when two of the garveys are married to south asians.
may be she is not missing, but she will be missed, tallg...
jauntie.. :(
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Don't worry jauntie, you're not missing much.
and to date haven't set foot in Garveys.
Hub came home yesterday and said his colleague has invited us to join him there one evening. Ha!
We leave Doha at the end of January so I guess I shall never have the opportunity to offer my first hand experience of the place.
grrrrr
so employee of the month at mcdonalds is no good???
crap!
yeah, right...this is the only nonsense that missing here in qatar: to submit a University Diploma at the entry to the nightclub... ha ha ha ha...
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I have seen all types of poeple in the place and have not seen any racist actions by any people there. I have only experianced good peaceful individuals enjoying themselves.
When they start letting in Indian university-educated accountants, they'll be immune from the charge of racism.
What about Amigos - anyone remeber that place? It wasn't a hotel and served alcohol and was closed down over three years ago.
drink in public hostelries (c. Oct 2008) and now have misgivings about that?
Oh well - I'm off to sort out supper. Fascinating discussion though!
Nighters all xx
i went there couple of times with the british guy.. may be that's the reason why i was allowed in? :o
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I don't believe they are racists, which is why I was surprised that they themselves apparently say that the "European" part of the title does indeed mean that only Europeans are allowed in.
yes, alcohol was being served in hotels - but it was only being served in one other place which wasn't an hotel aka Garveys.
Maybe I read it wrong, but that's what I thought she meant.
Maybe I took that from her first post :D
It is up to the owner of any bar whether or not someone gets in or not, I know the Garveys and they are certainly not the racists that some posting on here would have you believe.
I am from UK and my wife is not she has a different passport and is not white, but I have a family membership so she is entitled to go in, as are manyb other members wife/husband DUH!
The place was originally for Europeans and the licence conditions reflected this, times have changed and there are a lot more foreigners here now, but at the end of the day they have every right to refuse admission to NON members.
I have read and heard many of the rumours circulating, none of which are true, I myself was at a party at the Sharq on New Years eve, they had a full blown party, live band, alcohol on sale etc etc, the police never went there and shut that down or arrested the owner and staff, I wonder why.
Lets wait and see what happens, they have done nothing wrong, are Legally allowed to open and will re-open soon.
If you dont like the place, then don't go, you wont be missed by those that enjoy going there. If you would like to go then do what the rest of us do to gaurantee entry PAY for a membership
Why close the rugby club, can you not get in - jerk
Just go to another bar FFS
"A man may fight for many things.His country,his friends,his principles,the glistening tear on the cheek of a golden child.
But personally,I'd mud wrestle my own mother for a ton of cash, an amusing clock and a sackful of porn."
Blackadder.
as I said It's just what I can pieced together from people who have been here for awhile. Although the part about it being The European club and it being one of the only places you could get a drink before the inception of major hotels her is pretty much as accurate as far as I can find out....
People forget (and again this is all here say from people that have been here awhile)You used to be able to once purchase pork and bring in alcohol into Qatar about 10 years back (again not really sure how long it's been since you've not been able to do this but apparently you could).
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
The authorities don't want alcohol sold in any establishments outside of the Hotels which have a licence to do so.
OK - that sounds feasible. Qatar doesn't want the pub culture of Dubai etc etc
Oh and thanks for the history lesson! Very informative :D
Absolutely! My bad. Thanks for that correction. ;)
Before most of the major chain hotels that served alcohol (and I am going back at least 10 years here possibly more)there was the European club which is now known as Garveys the Garvey family from what knowledge I have gained from people who have lived here for some time only took it over 5 years ago to keep the premises licensed they had to retain the European family club name in title otherwise they wouldn't have been allowed to keep the liquor license or apply for a new one which they would have never been granted.
The European Club was one of the only places in Doha to serve Alcohol this included hotels.
Since the take over 5 years ago and infact one could even go as far as saying they never really wanted it to be taken over and the establishment of Major Hotels with Liquor Licenses it has been rumored that the cops have been itching to shut it down.
there is also some feeling that the same is true for the Rugby Club....
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
Do they discriminate though?
The Rugby Club is worst than a Central American bordelos. Dirty, sleazy and pitiful.
For that reason I would have to agree with you, call it A LEGITIMIZE REASON.
The last time I visit Garveys was almost 2 years ago, Had a pretty good meal with a close friend of mines, who is a black American. They let us in for free and we had dinner.
Since then No more, too much hazel, the road conditions in that area.
But we did witness a group of people get kick out of that place, What was the reasons for it? Until today, don't know.
Thing is, discrimination isn't a valid reason to shut something down in this country, as the thriving shopping malls prove.
Sign on the door "Management reserves the right to be bigots"?
Did you Google it first?
If the court drop the case against them, Why is it that seems they are close permanently,? Why arrest the workers,? It should be the management, who should be dealt with, not the workers.
baldrick- you notice everything dont ya>winks
you get what you deserve.........
RP - I'm not a fan of discrimination.
TALLG said:
I reiterate - if that is there policy, enforced or not, then I'm glad they're being shut down.
Which are your reasons, for them to be shut down?
It will be interesting to read your views.
Cynbob, last time I looked Spain was still in Europe ;o)
Did you Google it first?
cynbob -shall i add more to that list of countries??--not.......lol
you get what you deserve.........
I know - just a little bit of s**t stirring............... ha ha
I know first hand that there are people holding passports from India, Pakistan, Thailand, Philipines, and Spain that go to Garvey's.
Yep.
But let's not start that discussion again!
Maybe the government should shut down the malls for not allowing Asian workers in at the weekend???
On the couple of occasions I've been there I've seen non-European, non-white, non-American people there, so they obviously don't enforce their own policy very well!
I reiterate - if that is there policy, enforced or not, then I'm glad they're being shut down.
harry99 - it may not cause concentration, but would maybe cause consternation!!
I know many families who go there at the weekends so they can have a good meal and use the pool. Ok, it's not the greatest place on earth, but a lot of people like it. If it's not for you, then fine.
I feel sorry for the Garvey brothers who have worked hard to build the place up. And also for the guys who work there and will lose their jobs. There are also a lot of single guys who live in the accommodation there who benefit socially from having somewhere to hang out with friends, have a drink and something to eat.
By the way, I also heard about the new 'law' about having to be a club member before you can buy alcohol in a bar, club, hotel, etc. Seems to me Doha is going backwards not forwards...............
I don't know, but Why I keep replying back to you.
It must be that I'm enjoying your inflammable insinuations and consumable eternal perpetrations.
hmmm i go to garveys a fair bit , and i aint a member , aint a caucasian/white/european but i get to go in every time.....ty garveys hope everything settles down soon.....
you get what you deserve.........
That's just not the case all the time. I like Garvey's and I see all sorts of people in there.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
It means that you have to have a European passport to get in. If you don't believe me MattyHardingLower then you can ask the Garvey's themselves. However all white people or those with an American accent are allowed in as well.
In the overall scheme of things, would Garvey's closing down cause great concentration.
It probably means 'westerners only' I would hazard a guess!
Errmmm, I'm sure its not just a family concern......well its probably a two family concern if you get my drift....
What does the "European" in European Family Club mean then?
This rumour is never ending. Yes alot of Europeans use it, yes the sign outside states that it is a European Family Club, but when I have been I have been with a group of mixed race, multi cultural friends. Never had a problem, ever.
Stop the B/S. If peole dont like it, dont go. Theres alot more who do like it and want to see it re-open.
I'll say it again but it seems to me some ex-pats are out to discredit the place out of personal spite. Were talking about a family whose livelihood is at stake. I personally have found all the Garvey's honest, likeable, welcoming people.
Good luck to you. I hope it works out.
Has anybody heard from the Garvey's or any of the staff?
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"Every adult of sound mind, should be able to choose to do whatever they want, as long as they cause no harm to others".
Hoho! I look forward to the day they open a pub in Messaid :o)
Did you Google it first?
sad for the brothers garvey, being an investment and all ..
what other pubs for a pint after work are there ?
any one help with a list from messiade to raslafan ????
where to go ??/
Thanks for the clarification Gypsy. If that's the case I'm glad it has been shut down.
Sounds like an afternoon in Blackpool..
I missed all this
Yup Brit, they can now. Some places still enforce a NO national dress policy however.
Tallg, no it means Europeans only. I've had this argument with the owner.
and the next day find me on crappy flight going back home.
Within a week the Sports Bar at The Ramada had to quit opening in the afternoons because of the chaos caused (pool tables chucked about, local lad's unable to hold their drink, fighting etc etc)
Hee
What new law allowing Qataris to drink ??
I thought the "European" bit meant it was a European style club (whatever that means) rather than a club for Europeans only.
I heard that with the new laws allowing Qatari's to drink the police were pissed off at the "European Club only".
I heard theres a new captain in the Al Aziziyah (or whatever) district Garveys is in and he's stamping down on shitty dives, like, for example Garveys!
Rugby club has always been members only. Guests are allowed 2x per year at QR10 a time. The 'strict' is on showing your card as some 'regular' visitors were not actually members!
Did you Google it first?
I hear that the Rugby Club is now 'strictly' members only - everyone seems to be worried about crack down on selling alcohol.
Coz' I thought that it's only for Europeans. Thanks
yep, im not European, but we go there as well...
They sell memberships. You just join or you can pay at the door.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
you are Australian, so if your wife & kid are also Australian, then my question is: how come they can enter when it is a "European" club?
Darts is cancelled this Wednesday till things are sorted out 100% :o(
Did you Google it first?
it would be nice if somebody would give us the real story though,.. we also go there from time to time and would like to know how long it's gonna stay closed...
Maybe the owner of the land wanted it back, just like the Rugby club's did, but didn't fell like going through the whole procedure.... so, maybe not vendetta, but just a business prospect?
Rather harsh if that was the reason, though...
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
visit www.qaws.org
Now this is second hand info--but a reliable source:
The 22 Garvey's staff members arrested on 12/31/08 were supposed to have been released today.
I certainly hope that It's not closed. It's one of the few places my wife and son (Family) can go and relax, during the hours while I am working, without having to spend a fortune to do so. I hope that the owners and staff are well.
:)
:)
it does now ... lets see how quick before one of the paper quoting QL again ...
i dont think it has been picked up by newspapers,.. at least not in Gulf Times...
There are lots of people who live in the Compound are there not? And didnt they just open a new club/compound near the north road? Was it also closed down? Could this be a problem for people that live there if its not sorted. Will it eventually affect all the holdings of Mr. Garvey? Let us pray.....lots of folk livin there and cheap flats / beer is hard to find in Doha.
Has this been picked up by the newspapers at all?
I've never met a discrete Pole yet. They are usually very drunk and loud!
Did you Google it first?
Quick! Now is the time to get the lease on the property and run it as a QLSG haunt..
No loud music, but discrete pole dancing allowed..
I think I'd be inclined to agree there. It's sounding like a vendetta.
Did you Google it first?
Still closed, and they don't know when (or even IF) they will re-open. over 20 staff in jail - not sure why, some problem with work visas or something. Sounds to me as if someone has it in for Garvey's...............
Did anyone get some news abt it ??? Melvin's phone is off and office number is useless abt info...
some people have been telling tales to the Police....anyone????
If you dont like Garveys stay away. Ive been maybe 6 times in 2 years, it's ok, it is what it is. Ive met one or two obnoxious people in there, but Ive met more on here..
[URL=http://www.avatarist.com]Avatars[/URL]
There are Qatari Families Living in that area also.
Someone might have complained called for the police attention.
They have had the place for 5 years, with a liquor licence and the police only just realised it was called Garvey's European FAMILY Club?
Me thinks the police have to much time on their hands...
"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME
visit www.qaws.org
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Killjoy, Sheherazad on first floor of the Ramada show footie :o)
Did you Google it first?
@ Sheraton- Hed Kandi-The Circus NYE...it was crowdy, everyone was jumping, partying, drinking, smiling, and waiting for the 2009, we didn't have the countdown coz of the Gaza situation...but in general it was one of the best parties ever!
As for Garveys and 5 other clubs were closed before midnight due to the war in Gaza.
Happy New Year 2009 all :-)
I need to know for my football!!
It is the most important thing in my life and if I cannot watch it there, where can I watch it??
From a friend:
No its not a malicious rumour - we were there. Chris Garvey came on stage at 10.45pm and said could everyone leave NOW and leave their drinks CID were there and they were closing the place down. At first we thought it was something to do with the Palestian thing but then it turned out that the police had taken offense to the sign saying "European FAMILY Club" - it was the family bit they didn't like.
So in typical Qatar style they decided to close it down an hour and a quarter before New Year!!
I understand Mel Garvey was arrested along with several of the workforce and the police were trying to say that Garveys was trading illegally. I understand Mel appeared in Court on New Years Day and the Judge asked him if he had a licence and he said yes and then how long had he had it and he said 5 years. The judge kicked the case out as wasting the courts time.
I don't think any one was grieving. People just had a Plan B...meaning, they went elsewhere to celebrate. Personally, my hubby and I celebrated here, at the house. No extra fireworks necessary. :)
And as far as the reason...(Not you, Harry99) it is traditional, in many places on the planet earth, to celebrate a NEW Year. Thus, a New Year's celebration. It's not fun having to explain that.
I'm only worried as this is the venue for the Doha Darts League :o(
Did you Google it first?
I thought garvey's was a dive anyway... So why grieve over it ?
I was at The Centre around midday on NYE. A group of local youths came out of the Mall carrying 4 HUGE balloons which, linked together, made a floating 2 0 0 9.
I guess they weren't worried about any ban on their planned NYE party. :D
what wsa there to celebrate anyway?
I guess, in a way, it did take an act of God to close Garvey's. Word on the street is that Garvey's owners did not follow the rules and played music to help ring in the new year. They did not curb their celebration so the police came in and arrested the bartenders and owners. Patrons were told to leave. Until further notice, Garvey's is closed.
I also heard that two people were told to remove their derby-like New Year's hats at the Ramada.
Seems like Dubai, Bahrain, Doha and other places were banned from partying like it was 2009!
Hope everyone had a good celebration anyway!
Called them today..it seems that they dont know when it is gonna re-open again..most likely after several days.. :(
Dottie by name and by nature lol
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Don't get angry with me! I'm only typing what you are thinking!
i really like the benjamin franlin quote, refreshing. may i ask what is a "red" pope?
I don't know where was he drinking, but I was just doing my humanitarian favor to my friend. Surely I was hearing the music from outside. i did work last night, dammed I was tired and drain, until the phone call. I don't give a rat ass for that place anyhow.
i saw people outside waiting for a taxi and others going through the gates, but the great majority were completely blitz away....
Dont mind Popie he is just depressed working day and night and cant go out to enjoy drinks with his friends :D
Popie be nice be nice you )(*&^)(*&_(*&^$%$#&
Hmmm Red Pope - well my friend was neither drunk nor obnoxious, and was celebrating with his wife and other friends. He actually rents a villa at Garvey's. Had just bought a bottle of champagne ready to see in the New Year when the police arrived. He had to leave it there so was a bit pissed off!! The DJ was telling people to leave, that it was not a joke. Maybe your friend was drinking at one of the houses/apartments on Garvey's compound?
Is going to take an act of God to close down.
Garvey's was not close, they had to shut the doors to outsider obnoxious drunks from coming in, like your own friend.
That place was loud and kicking it, last night.
I had to pick up one of my best friend last night, He had too much to drink at 0200 am.
He could not drive back.
just go jump in a water tank and drink lots of water
Ha ha - will have to eat something before then to cure me of this hangover tho :(
no problem you can join me for lunch at midnight 2am on corniche hmm WELL IN FOG :D
just dont forget to wear your rain coat
It's still closed today - was going to go and have lunch there, will have to find somewhere else now............
bad means their midnight new year party was busted. no worries they can go and enjoy tonight.
have heard the same from some one who lives at garveys, but the dont know the reason why
No I wasn't there, but one of my friends was. Everyone had to leave immediately, couldn't even finish their drinks!!
there werent you? because i didnt hear anything about it.