Buying Beer In Qatar: What You Need To Know

Alcohol laws in Qatar are complex and differ from those in many other countries. As an Islamic country, the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol are highly regulated in Qatar. While drinking alcohol is not illegal, there is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking in public, and being drunk in public is a crime. So, can you buy and drink beer in Qatar?

Beer is available at the FIFA Fan Festival

The FIFA Fan Festival is held in a downtown Doha park, and beer is available for purchase from 6:30 pm each evening. Budweiser is the exclusive beer brand of the World Cup and can be purchased with alcohol before and after games within the eight stadium compounds. However, it is important to note that alcoholic Budweiser is not available at concourse concession stands.

In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival, there are other designated places where adults can drink beer in Qatar, including bars, clubs, hotels, and approved fan zones. It is also legal for tourists and non-Muslim residents to drink alcohol in private, as long as it is purchased from licensed sellers and consumed in moderation without causing any issues for the public.

It is worth noting that the laws and regulations regarding alcohol in Qatar are subject to change and updates, so it is always a good idea to stay informed and follow the local rules and guidelines.

Drinking in public is illegal

The punishment for drinking in public in Qatar includes heavy fines and even jail time. According to Qatar's Law No. 11 of 2004, drinking any alcoholic beverage in a public place can result in up to six months of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (USD 825). Additionally, drinking in public can also lead to deportation, especially for expatriates living in Qatar. It is important to note that Muslims caught drinking may be subjected to corporal punishment.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar relaxed its rules regarding public drinking to some extent. Fans were allowed to drink in special licensed public places, such as the FIFA Fan Festival and the Arcadia Festival. However, drinking outside of these designated areas still carried the risk of fines and jail time. It is important for visitors to respect Qatar's culture and laws regarding alcohol consumption to avoid any legal consequences.

To purchase alcohol in Qatar, non-Muslim residents and tourists must follow certain regulations. Alcohol can be bought from licensed sellers, including bars, clubs, and high-end restaurants licensed by hotels. Additionally, residents over 21 years old can purchase alcohol from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) outlet with a pre-approved license for their own home consumption. It is important to note that transporting alcohol within the country is generally not recommended, except on the day of collection from the warehouse.

Beer is available at the Arcadia Festival

While drinking alcohol is legal in Qatar, it is highly regulated as an Islamic country. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking in public, and it is illegal to be drunk in public. Drinking in public can result in a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (approximately £700 or USD 825) and a jail sentence of up to six months. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years old, and non-Muslim residents can buy liquor for home consumption through a permit system from the state-controlled Qatar Distribution Company.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which takes place from November 20 to December 18, fans will only be allowed to drink in special licensed public places. Initially, ticket holders were expected to be able to buy alcohol within a specific perimeter of the stadiums, but this decision was reversed just before the tournament started. Now, only non-alcoholic drinks are available inside any of the eight stadiums, and fans have been advised to respect Qatar's culture as an Arab-Muslim country.

In addition to the Arcadia Festival, beer is also available at the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha, where a pint of beer costs around £5 for 500ml of Budweiser, the event's official beer sponsor. Up to 40,000 people are allowed into the FIFA fan zone, but with four matches per day during the group stages, it is expected to be very busy as the stadiums are all within an hour of each other.

Beer is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars

Beer is available to buy for over 21-year-olds from licensed hotel restaurants and bars in Qatar. However, drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. It is illegal to import alcohol into the country, and all luggage is scanned at the arrivals hall of Doha airport. Drinking alcohol or being drunk in a public place can result in a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (USD 825).

During the World Cup, fans were supposed to be able to buy alcohol from designated areas in and around stadiums before and after matches. However, just before the tournament, organisers announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol around stadium sites. As a result, only non-alcoholic drinks are available inside any of the eight stadiums.

In Qatar, alcohol is available for purchase by over 21s at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the sole importer and retailer of alcohol in the country, and they run two shops where alcohol can be purchased with a permit. The amount of alcohol that can be purchased each month depends on the buyer's salary.

In addition to the QDC shops, alcohol can also be purchased at the Arcadia Festival, a fan area located about two miles outside of Doha, which serves alcohol for 19 hours a day between 10 am and 5 am.

It is important to note that the laws and cultural norms around alcohol in Qatar are strictly enforced, and it is essential to behave in a manner that does not offend the country's culture or religious beliefs, especially during Ramadan.

Beer is available at fan zones

For the World Cup, fans will be able to purchase beer from licensed venues, including hotel restaurants and bars, and fan zones. However, it is important to note that drinking laws have been relaxed for the tournament, and fans can only drink in special licensed public places. Drinking outside of these areas can lead to fines and jail time.

The FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha serves Budweiser, with a 500ml can costing £12. The fan zone has a capacity of 40,000 people, and there will be four matches per day during the group stages. Another option for fans is the Arcadia Festival, located about two miles outside of Doha and a couple of miles from England's base in Al Wakrah. This festival features a giant 50-tonne fire-breathing spider and serves alcohol for 19 hours a day between 10 am and 5 am.

In addition to these fan zones, there are several bars in Doha City that serve beer, including The Red Lion, Shots, Tahitian Village, and Claw BBQ. It is important to note that the legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years old, and establishments serving alcohol will require a valid ID.

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