It’s seems that even notoriously strict Dubai recognizes that everyone could use a good, stiff rink during the pandemic. As the sheikhdom tries to claw its way out of an economic depression worsened by the virus, the emirate has loosened the laws governing alcohol sales and possession of liquor for both tourists and ex-pat workers.

“It’s been a challenging year and there’s no hiding from that for any business — particularly those in the hospitality industry,” says Mike Glen of alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International.

Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the United Arab Emirates, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. They are also a major tax revenue source for Dubai’s Al Maktoum ruling family. And the outbreak of the virus has exacerbated an already-gathering economic storm engulfing the emirate, which has seen mass layoffs thin the ranks of its foreign workforce and empty homes even amid slight signs of recovery.

Previously, tourists could buy a beer on hotel beaches and ex-pats attended decadent Champagne-soaked brunches. However, by law non-Muslim residents are supposed to carry red plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest — even though the sheikhdom’s vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges never ask to see the permit.

But employers could block non-Muslims from obtaining a card even if an employee qualified for it — which happened for some expats working for Emirati companies whose owners had religious objections to alcohol.

Now, the red cards now have been replaced with a black card and a simplified application process only requiring an Emirati national ID card.

An application no longer requires an employer’s permission. Purchase restrictions based on salaries also have been eased.

Dubai’s two major alcohol distributers have also begun legal home deliveries of alcohol for the first time in the hopes of boosting sales.

The new card system allows tourists and visitors to buy alcohol from distributors simply by using their passports, closing a loophole that made visiting imbibers unable to get a permit subject to arrest for possessing alcohol.

The UAE as a whole still faces the challenge of the coronavirus — with some 65,000 confirmed cases – but Dubai has been aggressively advertising itself as reopened to tourism and now appears set to host Indian cricket games in September. However, Expo 2020 world’s fair has been postponed until next year.