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Qatar 2022 stadiums to be alcohol-free – report

Qatar 2022 stadiums are set to be alcohol-free with fans only able to drink on a restricted basis outside World Cup venues.

News agency Reuters claims a document circulated in June suggest that the predominantly Muslim country – where consuming alcohol in public places is illegal – will only allow the consumption of beers and other alcoholic drinks at fan zone sites and prior to entering venues on matchdays. Alcohol is allowed to be served in some hotels and bars.

A source told Reuters that plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have alcoholic drinks upon arrival and when leaving the stadium, but beer won’t be served during the match or inside the stadium bowl.

The report claims that fans at November’s World Cup will be able to purchase and consume alcohol during restricted times in certain parts of the main FIFA fan zone in the Al Bidda Park in Doha. Alcoholic drinks will also be available at two other plots, including on a disused corner of the Doha Golf Club, some distance from stadiums and the main fan zone, the document shows.

A spokesperson for the organisers, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, told Reuters that together with FIFA they will announce plans on the availability of alcohol at the 28-day tournament “in due course”.

“Alcohol is already available in designated areas in Qatar, such as hotels and bars, and this will not change in 2022. With the aim of catering to visiting fans in 2022, alcohol will be available in additional designated areas during the tournament,” the spokesperson said.

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