Qatar FIFA World Cup stadiums set to be alcohol-free; beer sales to be allowed outside arenas only
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According to a source familiar with the tournament’s plans, Qatar’s World Cup stadiums will be alcohol-free, with beer sales outside arenas only permitted before and after specific matches.
This year’s World Cup will be the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict alcohol controls, posing unique challenges for organizers of an event frequently associated with beer-drinking fans and sponsored by global brewing brands.
“At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving the stadium, but beer won’t be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl,” a source told.
A document obtained by ESPN provides the first glimpse into how organizers intend to handle the demands of an estimated 1.2 million fans, many of whom are accustomed to drinking beer without limits on match days. Football’s relationship with alcohol has long been complicated, and in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil lifted a ban on alcohol in stadiums after pressure from FIFA.
Since the Gulf Arab state won the hosting rights in 2010, there has been a question mark over alcohol at this year’s tournament. While Qatar is not a ‘dry’ state like neighbouring Saudi Arabia, drinking alcohol in public is prohibited. However, during the World Cup in November, fans can purchase beer in certain areas of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda Park in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
Alcohol will be served away from the main event at the Qatar FIFA World Cup
“Unlike previous World Cup fan zones, beer won’t be served all day long, but at restricted times,” the source added. According to the document, alcohol will also be available for 15,000 to 20,000 fans on a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club, some kilometers away from stadiums and the main fan zone.
Furthermore, a sandy plot surrounded by a 3-meter wall located between a hotel’s delivery entrance and a district cooling plant will transform into a 10,000-capacity venue promising techno music and alcohol. The organizers, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said they will announce plans for alcohol availability at the 28-day tournament “in due course,” in collaboration with FIFA.
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Sujeeth Shetty
(766 Articles Published)