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(Reuters) --
Qatar will allow ticket-holders to buy alcoholic beer at World Cup matches three hours before kick-off and one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match, a source with knowledge said. of the plans for the tournament.
Budweiser, a major World Cup sponsor with exclusive rights to sell beer at the tournament, will serve beer within the perimeter surrounding each stadium, but not in the stands or on the stadium concourse, the source said.
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This year's World Cup is the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict alcohol controls, presenting unique challenges for organizers of an event sponsored by a major beer brand and often associated with fans. beer drinkers.
"The beer will be available when the gates open, which is three hours before kick-off. Anyone who wants to have a beer will be able to do so. And also when they leave the stadium for an hour after the final whistle," the source said.
Additionally, Budweiser will be allowed to serve beer in part of the main FIFA fan zone in downtown Doha from 6:30 pm to 1:00 am.
every day of the 29-day tournament, which starts on November 20, the source said.
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In previous World Cup tournaments, beer was served in the fan zones throughout the day.
The decision on where and when the beer will be sold to fans is now finalized, but the price fans will be charged for a beer is still under discussion, the source said.
"We are working closely with FIFA, which is managing the relationship with the Qatari authorities, to ensure that our activations for the tournament are executed with respect and in compliance with local rules and regulations," said a spokesman for the brewer. Budweiser AB InBev in an emailed statement.
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The organizers of the Qatar World Cup, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, did not respond to requests for comment about alcohol controls at the World Cup.
The Qatari government media office directed the requests to the Supreme Committee.
There are four matches scheduled on most days of the tournament group stage, with the first match kicking off at 1:00 p.m.
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It was not immediately clear how Qatar will handle beer sales before 1:00 p.m. Wales and Iran will play on Friday, November 25, when the majority of Muslims in Qatar will gather in mosques for weekly congregational prayer.
Qatar currently requires most shops and restaurants in the country to close during Friday prayers.
Questions have swirled around the role alcohol would play in this year's World Cup ever since Qatar won the hosting rights in 2010. While not a "dry" state like neighboring Saudi Arabia, consuming alcohol in places public is illegal in Qatar.
Visitors can't bring alcohol into Qatar, even from the airport duty-free, and can't buy alcohol at the country's only liquor store, outside Doha.
Only foreign residents with permits can shop there for domestic consumption.
Visitors can drink at a few dozen licensed hotels and clubs, where a pint of beer can cost $18.
Budweiser will sell its non-alcoholic beer, Budweiser Zero, at stadium concourses and booths during games and at other fan sites, the source said.
"We always respect local customs and culture in the markets where we operate or host events," an AB InBev spokesman told Reuters in an emailed statement.
"Our Budweiser Zero promotion and activation during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will target international guests who come to enjoy and celebrate football at fan sites."
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