Sale of alcohol around the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar "will not be different" from previous World Cups and will be developed "as usual" in the rest of the country, said the maximum responsible for the organizing committee of the tournament on Thursday.

"I think there is a false idea about the sale of alcohol in the stadiums. We operate like any other World Cup," insisted Nasser Al-Khater at a press conference in Doha, 73 days before the event.

Beer sales at Qatar 2022 stadiums and fan zones

During the tournament, from November 20 to December 18, beer kiosks will open around the stadiums between 3 hours and 30 minutes before the start of the matches, to remain open for an hour after the final whistle.

In the main FIFA "fan zone" in the capital Doha, consuming alcohol will only be possible starting at 6:30 p.m., "as there will be families," Al-Khater said.

"This time limit will not be valid in the other fan zones and hotels that sell alcohol, where it will be done as usual," he added.

Sale of alcohol policies in Qatar

In Qatar, a conservative Muslim country, alcohol can only be purchased by non-Muslim residents at a government store and in about thirty hotel bars and restaurants. In normal times, drinking in public is not allowed outside of these places.

Many countries, such as France or Great Britain, restrict the sale of alcohol in stadiums.

In addition to the sale of alcohol, the availability and prices of accommodation in the small Gulf emirate are a concern for fans from the 31 qualifying nations, as well as the host country.

The director general of the supreme organizing committee, Yasir Al-Jamal, claims to be "100% sure" that all visitors will find accommodation in Qatar, which has finally decided to allow ticket holders to be accompanied by up to three people from their environment, even if they do not have tickets.

Qatar expects between 1 and 1.2 million visitors during the tournament.

HIOM