You even battle to get a alcohol license - yes even that is under control in this control freak of a country!
Liquor permits for Off-Sales are quite normal in non-dry Gulf States.
AFAIK only Bahrain does not require one.
In Doha I would not call it a battle - once you have an RP you just need a supporting letter from your employer as the value of permit granted is salary-related. Then the procedure is simple. I do resent paying a 1000QAR refundable deposit for the permit - but it's the same for everyone here.
Cannot comment on the QR-related items in the two posts above - interesting divergence of viewpoints though. As they say, 2 sides to every story....