Buying Beer In Qatar: What's The Deal?

As an Islamic country, the sale and consumption of alcohol in Qatar are heavily restricted but not illegal. Drinking in public and possessing alcohol without a permit is prohibited and punishable by law. Tourists and non-Muslim residents can drink in private as long as they don't get intoxicated and cause a nuisance. Alcohol is available for purchase from licensed hotel restaurants and bars, but only to those over 21 years old. The Qatar Distribution Company is the sole importer and retailer of alcohol in the country, and people can buy alcohol from their two shops with a permit.

Beer is banned from all stadiums during the Qatar World Cup

Initially, Qatar had agreed to relax its rules around the availability and sale of alcohol for the World Cup. However, just eight days before the opening ceremonies, Budweiser, which has exclusive rights to sell beer at the soccer tournament, was ordered to move its beer stalls at stadium concourses to more discreet locations. This directive came from the Qatari royal family, specifically Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the brother of Qatar's ruling emir. The concern was that the excessive visibility of alcohol would upset the local population and create security problems.

Just two days before the first kickoff, tournament organizers decided to ban the sale of alcoholic beer entirely at all eight World Cup stadiums. This decision was made to cater to the large number of supporters from Gulf and Asian countries, where drinking alcohol is not part of the culture. While alcohol will not be available inside stadiums during matches, it will be sold in hospitality boxes and some fan zones after 7 pm, where it will cost nearly £12 for 500ml of Budweiser.

The ban on beer sales in stadiums has disappointed many fans who have travelled to Qatar for the tournament. It has also played spoilsport to a $75 million deal between Budweiser's parent company, AB InBev, and the tournament organizers. However, non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero and Coca-Cola products will be available inside the stadium perimeters during matches.

Alcohol is available in some bars, clubs, and hotels

As an Islamic country, Qatar highly regulates the selling, serving, and consumption of alcohol. While drinking alcohol in Qatar is legal, drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.

In Qatar, non-Muslim residents can buy alcohol for home consumption from a state-controlled distributor, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), through a permit system. The QDC operates two shops that sell a wide range of beverages, but a permit is required to make a purchase. The amount of alcohol that can be purchased each month depends on the buyer's salary.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, fans could purchase alcohol from licensed hotel restaurants and bars, as well as at the Arcadia Festival, a fan area located about two miles outside of Doha. However, there was a last-minute reversal on the sale of alcohol at stadium sites, with FIFA announcing that alcoholic beverages would be sold at the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations, and licensed venues instead.

It is important to note that Qatar's alcohol laws may vary during the Holy month of Ramadan, with some hotels serving alcohol as part of room service during the day, while bars and restaurants remain closed.

Drinking in public is illegal and punishable by law

Qatar is an Islamic country, and as such, the sale and consumption of alcohol are heavily restricted. While alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, drinking in public is strictly prohibited and is punishable by law.

Drinking in public or being found drunk in Qatar is an offence and can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. The punishment for drinking in public or being drunk in a public place may include a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (approximately USD 825). Muslims caught drinking may be subjected to corporal punishment.

The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years. Non-Muslim residents over the legal drinking age can purchase alcohol from licensed bars, clubs, and high-end restaurants inside hotels. Additionally, residents with a valid permit can buy alcohol from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) outlet for their own home consumption. However, it is important to note that the amount of alcohol a person can purchase each month depends on their salary.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, fans were able to purchase alcohol from licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and fan zones. However, there was a last-minute reversal on the sale of alcohol within stadium perimeters, which was met with criticism from fans and sponsors alike.

It is important to respect the cultural and religious beliefs of the host country when visiting Qatar and other Islamic nations. While drinking in moderation is allowed in private spaces and designated areas, public drunkenness and intoxication are not tolerated and can lead to legal consequences.

Non-Muslims can buy alcohol from authorised sellers

As an Islamic country, Qatar highly regulates the selling, serving, and consumption of alcohol. While drinking alcohol in Qatar is legal, it is essential to follow specific rules and regulations. Here is a detailed guide for non-Muslims regarding alcohol consumption and purchase in Qatar:

Alcohol Purchase and Consumption in Qatar:

Non-Muslim residents and tourists in Qatar can legally consume alcohol, but only in designated places such as bars, clubs, and hotels. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years, and a valid ID is required to purchase or consume alcohol. It is important to note that drinking in public or being intoxicated in public spaces is strictly prohibited and can result in fines, jail terms, or deportation.

Buying Alcohol in Qatar as a Non-Muslim:

Non-Muslim residents and tourists can buy alcohol from authorised sellers, including licensed bars, clubs, and hotels. Additionally, alcohol can be purchased for home consumption from the state-controlled distributor, Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), through a permit system. To obtain a permit, individuals must provide a letter from their employer, passport or equivalent identification, and a residence permit. The amount of alcohol purchasable per month is dependent on the individual's salary. It is important to note that any alcohol bought must be hidden from view and transported straight home.

Alcohol Consumption During Special Occasions:

During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, alcohol was available for fans to purchase from licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and fan zones. However, there was a ban on alcohol sales within stadium sites. Additionally, alcohol consumption in Qatar during the Holy month of Ramadan is more restricted. While some hotels may provide alcohol through room service during the day, bars and restaurants remain closed until nighttime.

Important Considerations:

It is illegal to import alcohol into Qatar, and all luggage is scanned at the Doha airport. Transporting alcohol within the country is generally not recommended, except on the day of collection from the warehouse. Offering alcohol to Muslims and minors is also prohibited. It is important to always behave in a manner that respects the country's culture and religious beliefs, especially during Ramadan.

Alcohol is more expensive in Qatar due to high taxation

The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the sole importer and retailer of alcohol in the country, with two shops where residents can purchase alcohol for home consumption. To buy alcohol from the QDC, residents must be over 21 and have a pre-approved license. The amount of alcohol that can be purchased each month depends on the individual's salary. The QDC outlet is usually closed during the holy month of Ramadan, but license holders can buy additional quotas in the previous months.

Licensed high-end restaurants inside hotels are allowed to serve alcohol, as are bars and clubs. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will require an original photo ID upon entry. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, fans were able to buy alcohol from licensed hotel restaurants and bars, as well as at the Arcadia Festival, a fan area located outside Doha. However, alcohol was banned from being sold inside stadiums during matches or at shops.

The high prices of alcohol in Qatar are due to the "sin tax" introduced in 2019, which includes a 100% tax on harmful goods. As a result, alcohol is sold at a premium price, making it more expensive than in many other countries. This has led to some complaints from visitors and expatriates, who find the prices for alcohol in Qatar to be excessive.

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