Dylan Bettencourt
The Fifa World Cup made an about-turn on its alcohol ban for this year’s tournament.
Beer will now be sold at stadiums and fan zones.
Initial reports suggested no alcohol would be sold in the Muslim-majority country to be in line with the country’s laws on alcohol. Those regulations have since been relaxed for the duration of the games, but with certain conditions.
Fifa said beer could be sold at the stadiums before and after games but not during any fixture.
Fans will be permitted to purchase beers three hours before kickoff and one hour after the game comes to an end, Reuters reported.
The only beer fans will have access to is Budweiser, which has been awarded exclusive sponsor of the event since 1986.
“We are working closely with Fifa, which is managing the relationship with the Qatari authorities, to ensure our activations for the tournament are executed respectfully and in compliance with local rules and regulations,” a Budweiser spokesperson said.
“We always respect the local customs and culture in the markets in which we operate or host events.”
Organisers announced that the premium beer will be sold “within the stadium perimeter prior to kickoff and after the final whistle”.
“Inside the stadium bowl ticket holders will have access to non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero. At the Fifa Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available to purchase from 6.30 pm,” the football governing body said.
Other than licensed hotel restaurants and bars, alcohol cannot be consumed elsewhere in the Middle Eastern country.
In a bid to boost tourism, Qatar took the decision to relax its alcohol restrictions for the month-long tournament beginning on 20 November.
This would not however be the first time the pressure of a World Cup forced a country to relax restrictions on alcohol.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil went through a similar law exemption phase in terms of alcohol sales in stadiums.
Image source: @TheTimesOfIsrael
