September 08, (THEWILL) – The head of Qatar’s safety and security committee, announced that fans travelling to the 2022 World Cup will not be allowed to bring alcohol into the nation for personal consumption, adding that “specific measures” are in place to take action against anyone trying to smuggle alcohol in their luggage.
As THEWILL reported, the supreme committee in charge of the tournament has agreed to make beer, provided by World Cup sponsor Budweiser, available at stadiums and in fan zones during the World Cup, which starts on November 20. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Qatar; consumption in public can result in fines of up to 3,000 riyal (£720) or prison sentences of up to six months.
The early phases of Russia 2018, saw heavy alcohol consumption, and several Moscow bars ran out of beer as partygoers from around the globe partied in the Russian capital.
However, despite the fact that drinking is part of football fan culture in many parts of the world, Qatari authorities have stated that alcohol will only be available in certain places and that supporters will not be permitted to bring their own alcohol.
Colonel Jassim Abdulrahim Al Sayed of the safety and security operations committee said: “There are specific measures. I think alcohol will not be allowed through the airport and suitcases. There are locations where alcohol will be sold throughout the country.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
