5 things towards Qatar 2022: there will be beer in the stadiums 3:29
(CNN Spanish) --
Qatar is an Arab country where Islam, which prohibits alcohol consumption, is the official religion, and this situation has raised questions among fans who will travel to see the 2022 Soccer World Cup: will it be possible to drink a beer before or during the games?
The country adheres to Wahhabism, a conservative interpretation of Islam, but is not strictly "dry" like neighboring Saudi Arabia.
There are now places where alcoholic beverages can be consumed, such as a few licensed hotels and clubs—such as the Doha Golf Club—where a pint of beer can cost US$18.
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In addition, foreign residents with permits can shop at the only liquor store in the country, for domestic consumption.
Considering the huge number of migrant workers in Qatar, this is a significant number.
This option, however, is not available to visitors and tourists, who are not allowed to bring alcohol into Qatar, even from the airport duty-free.
And consumption in public places is strictly prohibited, with penalties of up to six months in prison.
Can fans traveling to the World Cup drink alcohol?
Qatar will allow fans with tickets 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 or inside the stadiums, a source told Reuters. with knowledge of the plans for the tournament.
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Budweiser, a major sponsor of the World Cup with exclusive rights to sell beer at the tournament, will serve beer inside the perimeter surrounding each stadium, but not in the stands or on the stadium concourse, the source said.
"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.
The 2022 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 hard-drinking fans. beer.
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In addition, Budweiser will be allowed to serve beer at part of FIFA's main fan zone – the Fan Fest – at Al Bidda in central Doha from 6:30pm to 1:00am.
every day of the 29-day tournament, which begins on November 20, the source said.
In previous World Cup tournaments, beer was served in the fan areas throughout the day.
How much will a beer cost?
The decision on where and when the beer will be sold to fans is now finalized, but the price to be charged for a beer is still under discussion, the source said.
But judging by current prices in Qatar, where a pint of beer can run as low as $18, that's expected to be high.
"We are working closely with FIFA, who are 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," a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters. brewer Budweiser AB InBev in an emailed statement.
There are four matches scheduled on most days of the tournament's group stage, with the first match kicking off at 1:00 p.m.
It was not immediately clear how Qatar will handle beer sales during the match between Wales and Iran on Friday, November 25, when most Muslims in Qatar will gather at mosques for weekly congregational prayer.
Qatar currently requires most shops and restaurants in the country to close during Friday prayers.
Budweiser will also sell its non-alcoholic beer, Budweiser Zero, in stadium concourses and booths during games and at other fan venues, the source said.
"We always respect local customs and culture in the markets in which we operate or host events," an AB InBev spokesman told Reuters in an emailed statement.
"Our promotion and activation of Budweiser Zero during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will target international guests who come to enjoy and celebrate football on fan sites," he added.
What are the penalties for breaking Qatar's alcohol laws?
Drinking alcohol in public places or disturbing others while intoxicated is punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to 3,000 riyals (US$820), according to the Qatar Penal Code.
Penalties amount to up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to 10,000 rials (about US$2,700) for offering alcohol to minors, for carrying alcoholic beverages on public roads, or for importing alcoholic beverages, even for domestic consumption.
With information from Reuters.
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