Picture Credit: Twitter
Drinking and football have been always linked together, especially for a major tournament like the World Cup. Be it supporters in stadiums or fans on the sofa in front of the TV with friends. The combination almost has cultural importance for many football fans across the world.
But the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is set to have many restrictions for football fans as it is a radical Islamic country where per religious guidelines consumption of alcohol is prohibited. But despite the global tournament, the restrictions haven’t been reduced because of the alcohol-raged problems caused during the previous World Cup.
Nasser Al Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, talked about the drinking restrictions and said, "While alcohol will be available to those who want a drink in designated areas, it will not be openly available on the streets.
"What we ask is that people, when they visit, stick to these designated areas. We are incredibly excited to be welcoming the world to Qatar and the Middle East and Arab world. For many people, it will be their first opportunity to see and explore the region. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are determined to use it to its fullest."
Here’s all you need to about the restrictions supporters should expect regarding alcohol consumption at Qatar 2022.
Can you drink alcohol in Qatar?
Yes, fans above the age of 21 can drink alcohol in Qatar.
What are the official guidelines?
Drinking alcohol or being drunk in public is an offence in Qatar. The UK Government released a travel advisory for Qatar, which said, "drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine up to QAR3,000." Alcohol will only be available to buy at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Whereas fans are not allowed to carry alcohol in public, except when obtaining it on the day of collection.
Will alcohol be sold in World Cup stadiums?
Yes, alcohol will be available in stadiums at the World Cup. Beer will be sold and available three hours before and one hour after kick-off. Alcohol will not be available during the games.
What are alcohol prices in Qatar like?
Alcohol will be relatively expensive as the average price of a pint in Qatar is £9.94.
