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Planning on enjoying a drink at the 2022 World Cup? Too bad

(Qatar 2022 via Getty Images)
10th November, 2016
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The Qatari government will try to do what would seem impossible in Australia: stop sports fans from drinking alcohol during a major tournament.

In another blow for the tournament, which has been besieged by criticism since it was awarded to Qatar, the Qatari government announced the country’s ban on the consumption of alcohol in public places will remain for the duration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in Qatar.

“Availability of alcohol during the tournament will commensurate with our customs and traditions.”

While alcohol is not completely prohibited in the Gulf nation, it is illegal to drink in public. It is also illegal to be drunk in public under Qatari law.

Further complicating matters is the fact it is illegal to import alcohol into the country, although it is possible to buy alcoholic drinks from a licensed venue.

Local residents require a special permit to buy ‘takeaway’ alcohol.

Officials had previously indicated that there would be workarounds of local laws for the horde of football fans who are expected to travel to the country for the massive tournament.

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Designated public zones where the consumption of alcohol had been touted as a solution for football fans wanting to enjoy a drink during the tournament, but that now appears to be a long shot.

It also appears that alcohol is unlikely to be served in the stadiums which are being purpose-built for the tournament.

“Personally I’m against the provision of alcohol in stadiums,” Al Thawadi said.

“The goal was to narrow (alcohol) consumption to specific places, far away from public spaces.”

It remains to be seen what will happen with FIFA’s sponsors, such as worldwide brewing company Anheuser-Busch InBev, during the 2022 World Cup, although football’s governing body has said they will support their commercial rights.

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