Budweiser, a major Globe Cup sponsor with unique rights to sell ale at the tournament, may serve beer inside the ticketed perimeter encircling each stadium, although not in the stadium appears or concourse, the origin said.
This year’s World Cup is the 1st to be held in a Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, presenting unique challenges for organizers of the event sponsored with a major beer brand name and often associated with beer-drinking fans.
“Beer will be available when gates open up, which is three hours before kick off. Whomever wants to have a beverage will be able to. And then whenever they leave the stadium as well for one hr after the final whistle, ” the source stated.
Additionally , Budweiser will be allowed to serve beverage in part of the main FIFA fan zone in central Doha from 6: 30pm to 1: 00am every single day of the 29-day competition, which kicks off upon November 20, the origin said.
At previous World Cup tournaments, beer was served in fan zones all day long.
The decision about where and when beer is going to be sold to followers is now finalized, but the price fans will be charged for an ale is still under conversation, the source said.
“We are working closely with FIFA, which is managing the relationship with the Qatari specialists, to ensure our activations for the tournament are executed respectfully and in compliance with local rules and regulations, ” a spokesperson for Budweiser brewer AB InBev said in an emailed statement.
Qatar’s World Mug organizers, the Great Committee for Shipping and Legacy, did not respond to requests just for comment about the World Cup controls on alcohol. Qatar’s authorities media office guided requests to the Best Committee.
There are four fits scheduled on most times of the tournament’s group stage, with the earliest match kicking off with 1 p. meters.
It was not immediately very clear how Qatar can handle beer product sales ahead of the 1 p. m. Wales and Iran game on Friday November 25, when most Muslims in Qatar is going to be gathering at mosques for the weekly congregational prayer.
Qatar currently needs most shops plus restaurants in the country in order to close during Fri prayers.
Questions have swirled around the role alcoholic beverages would play only at that year’s World Cup since Qatar received hosting rights in 2010. While not a “dry” state like neighboring Saudi Arabia, eating alcohol in public places will be illegal in Qatar.
Visitors cannot bring alcohol into Qatar, even from airport duty free, and they are not able to buy alcohol in the country’s only alcohol store, on the borders of Doha. Just foreign residents along with permits can store there for home intake.
Visitors can drink in a few dozen certified hotels and clubs, where a pint of beer can cost $18.
Budweiser will sell its non-alcoholic beer, Budweiser Zero, in stadium concourses and stands during games with other fan sites, the source said.
“We continually respect the local traditions and culture in the markets in which all of us operate or sponsor events, ” the spokesperson for STOMACH InBev told Reuters in an emailed statement.
“Our promotion and activation of Budweiser Absolutely no during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will target the international guests coming to enjoy and celebrate football at the enthusiast sites. ”