Drinking Beer At The Qatar World Cup: What's Allowed?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar brought up the question of whether beer would be available to drink at the matches. Initially, Qatar had agreed to relax its rules around the sale of alcohol for the World Cup, with Budweiser having exclusive rights to sell beer at the tournament. However, just two days before the first match, it was announced that only non-alcoholic beer would be available at the stadiums, except in luxury hospitality areas. This decision caused disappointment among some fans, while others welcomed it, and it led to a potential legal dispute with Budweiser.

Alcohol is banned at World Cup stadiums in Qatar

However, just two days before the first kickoff, it was announced that the sale of alcoholic beer would be banned entirely at all eight World Cup stadiums. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment while others welcomed the move.

The ban on alcohol sales at stadiums is not unprecedented, as prior World Cup hosts Brazil and Russia also prohibited drinking in stadiums but eventually lifted these restrictions for the 2014 and 2018 tournaments, respectively.

While alcohol is not completely prohibited in Qatar, it is heavily restricted in the conservative Arab Gulf nation. Alcohol consumption is not part of local culture and is only served to non-Muslims over the age of 21 in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is also a single state-controlled off-licence, but it is only accessible to non-Muslim residents.

For the World Cup, Qatar did relax some of its drinking restrictions, allowing fans to purchase alcohol in designated fan zones and festivals. However, drinking in public remains illegal in Qatar, and fans who breach these rules may be subject to deportation or hefty fines.

Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam

Alcohol is forbidden in Islam as it is considered haram, or forbidden. Islamic scholars and Muslim religious authorities point to a verse in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, that calls intoxicants "the work of Satan" and tells believers to avoid them.

The Quran states:

> "Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are from the work of Satan, so avoid it to be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?"

Another verse in the Quran also states:

> "They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: 'In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit.'"

The consumption of alcohol is believed to be harmful to both the mind and body, and Allah has forbidden everything that harms the body and mind. Alcohol is also considered a waste of money and an action of the spendthrift.

While the prohibition on alcohol in Islam is widely observed, not all Muslims abstain from drinking. Some drink privately or publicly. A Pew Research Center survey of Muslims around the globe found that most people surveyed said that drinking alcohol was morally wrong. However, in some countries, a sizable percentage said that consuming alcohol was not a moral issue.

The application of the ban on alcohol varies in different Islamic nations. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia, completely outlaw alcohol, while others, like Dubai, have a more relaxed approach with bars, nightclubs, and lounges freely serving alcoholic beverages.

Drinking in public is illegal in Qatar

The sale and consumption of alcohol are heavily restricted in Qatar. It is only served to non-Muslims above the age of 21 in licensed establishments, including certain restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is also a single state-controlled liquor store in Qatar, but it is exclusively for residents. The rules around alcohol become even stricter during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, with many outlets refraining from selling alcohol during the day.

In the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar initially agreed to relax its rules around alcohol availability. However, just days before the opening ceremony, the country banned the sale of alcohol at all World Cup stadiums, citing the need to respect local culture and avoid security issues. This decision caused tension, as drinking has been a significant part of the World Cup festivities, and Budweiser, a prominent sponsor, had exclusive rights to sell beer at the tournament.

Despite the ban on public drinking, Qatar made some concessions for the World Cup. Organisers announced that beer would be available throughout the day and night at designated fan zones, such as the Arcadia Festival and the official FIFA Fan Festival. These areas offered a more relaxed environment for fans to consume alcohol, with "sobering-up" areas also available for those who drank excessively.

While Qatar's laws on alcohol may differ significantly from those of other countries, it is essential for visitors to respect and abide by these regulations to avoid legal consequences and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

Alcohol is available in some Islamic nations

Alcohol is prohibited in Islam, deemed "haram" or forbidden. Islamic scholars and Muslim religious authorities cite a verse in the Quran that calls intoxicants "the work of Satan". Despite this, alcohol is available in some Islamic nations, albeit with varying regulations and restrictions.

Some Islamic countries, like Saudi Arabia, outlaw alcohol altogether. Drinking in Saudi Arabia can result in flogging, fines, imprisonment, and deportation for foreigners. However, the country has been opening up entertainment options, leading to speculation about possible exceptions for alcohol consumption in the future.

In contrast, other Islamic nations have a more relaxed approach to alcohol. Dubai, a top travel destination in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, nightclubs, and lounges catering to visitors and expatriates. Dubai has been gradually loosening laws governing alcohol sales and possession, recognising the lucrative tax revenue it generates.

Jordan is another example of an Islamic country where alcohol is sold freely in liquor stores and served in bars and restaurants in cities like Amman. Muslim-majority Egypt also permits alcohol sales, particularly in tourist areas and establishments frequented by the young and wealthy. While most Egyptians view drinking as morally wrong, the country's vibrant tourism industry and Christian minority contribute to the availability of alcohol.

Qatar, the host of the FIFA World Cup 2022, has strict alcohol regulations. Initially, Qatar relaxed its rules for the tournament, allowing the sale of beer at stadiums and fan zones. However, just two days before the opening match, they banned the sale of alcoholic beer at all World Cup stadiums, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural traditions and accommodating international visitors.

While alcohol is available in some Islamic nations, each country has its own unique set of regulations and restrictions, reflecting the cultural and religious context of the region.

Beer will be available at the FIFA Fan Festival

The decision to sell beer at the FIFA Fan Festival was made after discussions between Qatari authorities and FIFA. In a statement, FIFA said:

> Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

The sale of alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated. Alcohol consumption is not part of local culture and is only served to non-Muslims over the age of 21 in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is also a single state-controlled off-licence, but it is only accessible to non-Muslim residents.

The availability of beer at the FIFA Fan Festival is expected to be welcomed by some fans, especially those who are used to drinking at football matches. However, it is important to note that public drunkenness is illegal in Qatar, and fans are advised to consume alcohol in moderation.

In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival, beer will also be available at the Arcadia Festival, located just outside Doha, which will serve beer for 19 hours a day between 10 am and 5 am.

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