Drinking Beer In Qatar: What's The Deal?

Drinking alcohol in Qatar is legal, but there are strict rules around it. Drinking in public is illegal and being drunk in public is a crime. The legal drinking age is 21, and ID is required to buy alcohol. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. Alcohol prices are high, with a pint of beer costing around £10. During the 2022 World Cup, alcohol was available in designated fan zones and stadiums, but this was a temporary relaxation of the rules.

Drinking in public is illegal

The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for original photo ID upon entry. Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (approximately £700).

Alcohol is only available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol through a permit system. It is recommended that you do not carry alcohol around with you, except when taking it from the warehouse to your home on the day of collection.

During the 2022 World Cup, Qatar relaxed some of its drinking restrictions, allowing beer to be served throughout the day and night at the Arcadia Festival, located a few miles outside of Doha. Beer was also available at the official FIFA Fan Festival, and sober zones were located around the festivals for supporters who drank excessively.

While drinking in public is illegal in Qatar, the country has shown some flexibility for minor offences such as drunkenness and public disorder.

Drinking is allowed in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants

Drinking alcohol in Qatar is permitted in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants. However, it is essential to note that drinking in public and being intoxicated in public are both strictly prohibited and can result in severe consequences. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will require a valid, original photo ID upon entry. It is also important to respect local customs and ensure that your actions do not cause offence to others.

Licensed hotel restaurants and bars are the only places where alcohol can be purchased in Qatar. There is also a single state-controlled off-licence, but it operates on a permit system, and visitors are not allowed to shop there. It is crucial to understand that drinking alcohol in Qatar is restricted to designated areas, and drinking in public can lead to legal repercussions.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar relaxed some of its drinking restrictions. Beer was available at the Arcadia Festival, located a few miles from Doha, the Qatari capital, and England's base in Al Wakrah. The festival operated for 19 hours a day, from 10 am to 5 am, serving beer to football fans. Additionally, the official FIFA Fan Festival also served alcohol, and 'sober zones' were designated for supporters who drank excessively.

While Qatar allows alcohol consumption in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants, it is important to be mindful of the cultural and religious context of the country. As an Islamic country, Qatar has different norms and expectations regarding alcohol consumption compared to other parts of the world. Respecting these differences and adhering to the local laws are crucial when visiting Qatar.

Overall, while drinking is permitted in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants in Qatar, it is essential to remain mindful of the local laws, customs, and cultural sensitivities surrounding alcohol consumption in the country.

Alcohol is available at the FIFA Fan Festival

In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival, there are other designated areas where alcohol is available during the World Cup. The Arcadia Festival, located a couple of miles outside of Doha and England's base in Al Wakrah, will serve beer for 19 hours a day between 10 am and 5 am. This festival will feature a giant 50-tonne fire-breathing spider and is expected to charge £5 for 500ml of Budweiser. It's important to note that drinking in public and being found drunk in public is illegal in Qatar and can result in heavy fines or jail time.

Drinking in Qatar is very expensive

The high cost of alcohol in Qatar is due to it being regulated and subject to high taxation, including the 100% tax on harmful goods introduced in 2019. It is also reflective of the country's conservative culture.

Alcohol is also difficult to come by in Qatar. It is banned from all stadiums and stadium perimeters, although it was initially promised that ticket holders would have access to alcohol within the stadium perimeter. It is also forbidden to bring alcohol into Qatar from abroad. Alcohol is only served to non-Muslims over the age of 21 in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is one liquor store in Qatar, but it is only accessible to residents.

The strict rules around alcohol in Qatar have been relaxed slightly for the World Cup. Fans will be allowed to drink in specific, official fan zones after 6:30 pm, and there will be designated sobering-up areas for fans who are drunk.

Drinking rules were relaxed for the World Cup

While Qatar is not a completely dry country, it does have strict rules around alcohol. Alcohol consumption is not part of the local culture and is only served to non-Muslims above the age of 21 in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is a single state-controlled off-licence in Qatar, but it is only accessible to residents. Drinking in public or being found drunk is illegal and can attract heavy fines or jail time.

For the World Cup, Qatar had initially agreed to relax its rules around the availability and sale of alcohol. However, just a few days before the opening ceremony, the Qatari royal family ordered Budweiser, which had exclusive rights to sell beer at the tournament, to move its beer stalls at stadium concourses to more discreet locations. This was due to concerns that the visibility of alcohol would upset the local population and create security issues.

Despite this, drinking rules were still relaxed compared to regular Qatari law. Fans were allowed to drink in specific, official fan zones after 6:30 pm. The Arcadia Festival, located a few miles from England's base at Al Wakrah and two miles outside of Doha, served beer for 19 hours a day between 10 am and 5 am. Beer was also available at the official FIFA Fan Festival, where 'sober zones' were set up for supporters who drank excessively.

Inside the stadiums, alcohol remained prohibited during matches. Only those in the "hospitality" suites, which cost upwards of $22,500, had access to alcoholic drinks. Outside the stadiums, fans could purchase alcohol at specially licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels.

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