Alcohol-free World Cup stadiums in Qatar
The World Cup stadiums in Qatar will be alcohol-free and the sale of beer outside the venues will only be allowed before and after some matches, according to a source with knowledge of the tournament's plans.
This year's World Cup is the first held in a Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, which poses a unique challenge for organizers of an event that is usually associated with beer lovers and is sponsored by global beer brands.
"In the stadiums, the plans are still being finalized, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and departure from the stadium, but beer will not be served during the match, nor within the stadium grounds," the source told Reuters.
A document dated June 2nd, obtained by Reuters, gives the first glimpse of how organizers plan to manage the demands of around 1.2 million football fans, many of whom are used to unlimited beer consumption on match days.
The relationship between football and alcohol has long been complicated. In the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup, Brazil lifted the ban on alcohol consumption in stadiums after pressure from the governing body, FIFA.
Since the Gulf Arab country won the hosting rights in 2010, there has been a question mark over alcohol at this year's tournament. Although not a "dry" state like neighboring Saudi Arabia, the consumption of alcohol in public places is illegal in Qatar.
However, fans attending the November World Cup will be able to purchase beer during restricted hours in certain parts of FIFA's main fan zone at Doha's Al Bidda Park, the Qatari capital.
There will also be alcohol available for between 15,000 and 20,000 fans in a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club, a few kilometers away from the stadiums and the main fan zone, according to the document.
In addition, a sandy plot surrounded by a 3-meter wall situated between a hotel's delivery entrance and a district cooling plant will be transformed into a venue with a capacity for 10,000 people, promising techno music and alcohol, the document shows.
A spokesperson for the organizers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of Qatar, said that together with FIFA, they will announce plans on the availability of alcohol at the 28-day tournament "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.
Prohibited to bring and buy alcohol in Qatar
Although the FIFA website announces the free distribution of "beers, champagnes, wines selected by sommeliers, and premium liquors" in the VIP hospitality suites of the stadiums, alcohol was not sold in the stadiums during a test event for the World Cup in December.
Visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol into Qatar, even in duty-free shops at airports, and cannot purchase from the country's only liquor store located outside Doha, where foreign residents with permits can buy for consumption at home.
Where can you buy alcohol in Qatar?
Visitors in Qatar can purchase alcohol in a handful of licensed hotels and clubs, where a glass of beer can cost $18.
The price of beer within the fan zones and near the stadium has not yet been agreed upon, said the source.
How much does beer cost at the Qatar World Cup?
Earlier this year, another source close to the discussions told Reuters that alcohol prices will be capped in the fan zones, pointing out that at the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, a glass of beer cost around $6.55 (about 130 pesos).
Although the document anticipates a "strong demand for international beverages," it says that the main party zone adjacent to the FIFA fan festival will be alcohol-free, offering up to 70,000 fans a six-kilometer "family-friendly" urban carnival.
Rules on the sale of alcohol in football stadiums vary worldwide. In England, alcohol is sold on the stadium concourses, but fans cannot consume it in view of the playing field, while in France it is not allowed within the stadium premises.