The sale of alcoholic drinks near the stadiums will be no different during the upcoming World Cup in Qatar than at previous World Cups, tournament director Nasser Al-Khater confirmed during a press conference in the capital Doha, 73 days before the opening game.
“I think there is a mistaken assumption about the sale of alcoholic drinks in the stadiums. It will be no different from previous World Cups,” said the tournament director.
During the World Cup, which will be played between November 20 and December 18, beer stands will be placed near the World Cup stadiums, which can open the doors three hours before kick-off. No alcohol is allowed to be sold half an hour before kick-off. After the final whistle, they then open again for an hour.
In the fan zone that the World Football Association FIFA will open in the capital, there is permission to consume alcohol from 6.30 pm. Previously not allowed, “because the fan zone will also attract families with children. This time limit does not apply to the other fan zones near the stadiums and the hotels that are allowed to sell alcohol”.
In conservative Qatar, under normal circumstances, alcohol sales are only allowed to residents who are non-Muslims. The sale may only take place in a government shop and about thirty bars and restaurants of hotels. Alcohol consumption in public places is prohibited.
Just over two months before the start of the tournament, there are also concerns about the number of rooms available in hotels for supporters.
The Qatari government expects 1 to 1.2 million visitors for the tournament, while there are not that many hotel rooms.
The prices are also swinging – just like those for airline tickets -, but the organizers are “one hundred percent sure” that every visitor will find accommodation.
