Football fans will be banned from drinking alcohol during World Cup matches in Qatar this winter. It has been reported that organisers have agreed with the host nation's government to close stadium bars while the action is on the pitch.
Fifa chiefs have agreed a deal with Qatar that bars at stadiums will be shut between kick-off and the final whistle. But England and Wales supporters will be able to buy beer, wine and spirits before and after matches when they get to the grounds, according to national newspaper reports.
Final confirmation of drinking guidelines will come before the tournament, which starts in Doha on November 21. Alcohol will be served in international hotels and at the official Fifa fan zone in Al Bidda Park in the centre of the capital city, although bars will have restricted hours.
There will also be a drinking zone at the Doha Golf Club, which has capacity for 20,000 supporters, while there will be another dance and drink venue in the city established in time for the tournament's kick-off. Police are set to operate a zero-tolerance policy to public drunkenness even in the fan zones while no drinking will be allowed outside the strictly-enforced areas. Prices for beer and wine are expected to be high with the price of a pint expected to top £10.
Drinkers must be over 21 to purchase alcohol from licensed hotel restaurants and bars. There is also a single state-controlled off-licence, but supporters will need a permit to shop there. However, organisers are also planning to cut the price of drinks during the tournament.
Nasser al-Khater, chief executive officer of the World Cup, said in 2019: "Alcohol is not part of our culture. However, hospitality is. Alcohol is not as readily available here as in other parts of the world but for the World Cup we want to ensure it is accessible for fans who want to have a drink, so we are trying to find designated locations for fans to have alcohol, other than traditional places such as hotels and so forth.
“We recognise there is an issue with the price and it is something we are looking into. We are looking at finding ways to reduce the price of alcohol.”
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