The organizers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup have finalized the beer policy for the World Cup. The Muslim majority nation has decided that beer such as Budweiser can be bought before and after games but in specific areas. The policy allows the beer to be bought within the confines of each of the eight stadium grounds that the matches will be held only. Other places like concourse concession stands will not be allowed to sell alcohol.
Official Fan events which will be held at Doha Park are also prohibited at other times of the day except for evenings.
According to FIFA, alcohol will be sold "within the stadium perimeter prior to kick-off and after the final whistle."
"Inside the stadium bowl ticket holders will have access to non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero," FIFA said in a statement.
"At the FIFA Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available to purchase from 6.30 p.m."
Since the 1986 tournament, Budweiser has been the official beer partner of the world cup with AB InBev renewing their deal in 2011 to keep them in partnership until 2022.
Qatar and alcohol restriction problems
Although alcohol has heavy restrictions in Qatar, “Premium Beverages” such as champagne, wine, liquor and beer have been available to hospitality clients as part of corporate packages since February 2021.
The public consumption of alcohol can lead to fines of up to 3,000 riyal (£720) or prison sentences up to six months.
Qatari authorities have also warned that visitors to the country will not be granted permission to bring their own alcoholic beverages to the country.
"There are specific measures," Col. Jassim Abdulrahim Al Sayed of the safety and security operations committee told ESPN at a news conference in Doha. "I think alcohol will not be allowed through the airport and suitcases.
"There are locations where alcohol will be sold throughout the country."
Qatar 2022 Chief Executive Nasser Al Khater has urged fans to consume their alcohol in the specific areas planned for them at the specific times.
"There is a misconception about alcohol sales in stadiums and designated zones," Al Khater said. "We are working like any other World Cup, like usual.
"Very simply, we have always stated that the sale of alcohol [will be] available in Qatar and will make it available in specific zones.
"The fanfest will serve from 6:30 p.m., but it will attract a lot of families and children and we want to give them opportunity to be in alcohol-free zone for certain parts of the day. Later, the fans will have alcohol readily available."
Qatar put its alcohol policies to the test during the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 21st 2022 and all 32 teams, will arrive in Qatar a week prior. The quest for world domination will kick off with a group A clash between the host nation Qatar going against Ecuador. The final match of the tournament will be held on the 18th of December at the 80,000 seater Lusail Iconic Stadium
