Pearl Qatar will not reverse its ban on alcohol at the development despite several international restaurants closing down, a senior executive of the managing company has told Arabian Business.

High profile restaurants including Gordon Ramsey's Maze and Mango Tree closed after alcohol sales were suddenly banned at the Pearl Qatar in December 2011.

Pearl Qatar general manager asset sales Aleeq Al Khulaifi appeared to concede that banning alcohol had affected restaurants, revealing that the company had compensated those eateries that didn't close.

“Some of them closed and some of them we gave support to continue with us without alcohol and they're successful now and they stayed and they've extended their lease,” Al Khulaifi said.

“Will we have alcohol back? I don't think so.”

UK celebrity chef Ramsey said in January last year he didn't expect the ban to last very long because it had significantly impacted on restaurant earnings.

Edward Brookes, head of valuation at real estate firm DTZ Middle East told Arabian Business in January last year that alcohol could revive sales at the man-made development.

“Reintroducing alcohol would certainly help the development's appeal for residents, as well as attracting non residents to come and enjoy the restaurants and hence add to the economic and social activities that help create a thriving [area],” Brookes said.

Qatar is positioning itself as a family friendly tourism destination and takes a tougher stance on numerous aspects including women's dress.

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QNE

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