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Aaron Morris

Football fans at World Cup warned they face prison if they break strict ban in Qatar

Football fans heading to this year's World Cup in Qatar are being warned to stay vigilant with regards to the strict laws of the Middle Eastern country - with some things perfectly legal in the UK highly prohibited on foreign soil.

One of the most surprising laws in Qatar is the prohibition of vaping - an act which has been illegal since 2014.

Those who don't adhere to the Qatari's stringent policy with regards to electronic cigarettes and their use can see mammoth fines of 10,000 riyal (£2,200), or in the worst case, be handed a three-month custodial sentence abroad.

Read more: Illegal Albanian immigrant tended to County Durham cannabis farm to repay debt to smugglers

Although there are no laws against smoking traditional cigarettes in the Middle Eastern nation, vapes and e-cigs are prohibited to be bought, sold, imported or exported.

A statement on the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction reads: "The sale, distribution and advertising of e-cigarettes in Qatar is prohibited, as is possession and use, according to a government circular and a Health Ministry order of 2014. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has agreed on the matter.

Vapes are illegal in Qatar (PA)

"The GCC is a regional political and economic union which includes all Arab states in the Persian Gulf, except Iraq."

It comes just after FIFA announced that beer would be barred at this year's World Cup, in a statement made just 48 hours before kick-off. Tourists should be aware that it is an offence to be drunk or drink alcohol while out in public in Qatar, particularly when it leads to disorderly or offensive behaviour.

If you are found to be drinking in a public place, you could face a prison sentence of up to six months as well as a fine of QAR3,000 - around £700. Alcohol is only available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars - and fans are no longer be able to buy alcohol within stadiums either, including one of FIFA's biggest sponsors Budweiser, although the non-alcoholic Bud Zero is still available.

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