There will be strict controls on alcohol in Qatar.
Qatar’s World Cup stadium stands are set to be alcohol-free, with fans only able to purchase alcohol outside arenas before and after some matches.
As reported by Reuters, there will be strict controls on alcohol – with the World Cup being held in a Muslim country for the first time.
“At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving stadium, but beer won’t be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl,” a source told Reuters.
Prior to the start of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the country lifted a ban on alcohol at stadiums, after pressure from governing body FIFA.
Although Qatar is not a ‘dry’ state like neighbouring Saudi Arabia, drinking alcohol in public places is illegal in Qatar.
Reuters: No beer will be served inside stadiums at 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 7, 2022
The report adds that fans will be able to purchase beer during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone, which is located in the Al Bidda park in Doha.
“Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won’t be served all day long, but at restricted times,” the source added.
Alcohol will be available to buy for 15,000 to 20,000 fans
A document dated June 2 and seen by Reuters says that alcohol will be available to buy for 15,000 to 20,000 fans on a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club.
As well as this, a ‘sandy plot’ – located between a hotel and a district cooling plant – will be converted into a 10,000-capacity venue, with Techno music and alcohol on offer.
A spokesperson for the organisers, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, revealed that plans on the availability of alcohol at the 28-day tournament will be announced “in due course”.
“Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament,” the spokesperson said.
Fans aren’t allowed to shop at the country’s only liquor store
Visitors in Qatar are banned from carrying alcohol into the country and they aren’t allowed to shop at the country’s only liquor store – which is located on the outskirts of Doha.
Alcohol can be bought by visitors to Qatar at a few licensed hotels and clubs, where a pint of beer can cost $18.
