Alcohol Sales

 General Comments – For many fans, alcohol sales and consumption are commonly associated with sporting events like the World Cup. However, with sharia law forming the basis of the legal system in Qatar many questions have been raised regarding alcohol and World Cup 2022.  This is my attempt to explain the current state of alcohol laws in Qatar and let fans know what they might expect during the World Cup.

Current Situation in Qatar

Illegal in Public

               In Islam, the use of alcohol and other intoxicants is forbidden (haram), as the use of these substances is considered to be more evil than good. Given that the majority of legislation in Qatar is based on sharia law, it is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public.

Single Point of Sale

               Foreigners living in Qatar can purchase alcohol for consumption in their homes, but the procedure is very strictly regulated. Individuals must first obtain a Resident Permit through a process that required their employer to document that the person may consume alcohol and verify their salary (the amount of money that can be spent on alcohol is calculated as a portion of the person’s salary.) Once the person has a Resident Permit they may purchase alcohol from the single government store selling alcohol, the Qatar Distribution Company on the outskirts of Doha.  The alcohol purchased can NOT be consumed in public. In fact, the person is legally obligated to drive straight from the Qatar Distribution Company to their home to unload the alcohol. Here’s the Qatar Distribution Company website, in case you are curious Click Here.

Hotel Bars

               Foreigners over 21 years old may drink alcohol in designated bars in Qatar. These are typically found in 4-5 star, Western-branded hotels - tucked away from the general public (see Ed Ball’s map below) The prices are significantly higher than in the U.S. - see the room service selection at the Best Western Plus and the bar menu for Champions in the Marriott Marquis City Center in Doha (1 dollar = approximately 4 rials).

During the Qatar World Cup

Alcohol is Illegal in Public

               Given Qatari laws, opportunities to purchase alcohol will be limited to hotel bars and specific Fan Zones. It will not be possible to transport alcohol out of these areas.

Single Point of Sale

               It can be assumed that those traveling to Qatar for the World Cup will not have access to a Resident Permit and therefore, will not be able to purchase alcohol for consumption outside of hotel bars or Fan Zones.

Hotel Bars

               Bars will continue to serve alcohol to those over 21 years of age, and will NOT be restricted to only serving hotel guests.  However, it is anticipated that bars meeting capacity or with hotel security issues (team hotels, etc.) may limit access to fans not staying at the hotel. 

Fan Zones

FIFA has yet to release official information regarding the location or alcohol rules for Fan Zones and there are thoughts that negotiations between AB Inbev, FIFA, and Qatari officials are still ongoing. There have been a few statements by officials over the past few years and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has adjusted its position from alcohol only being available in “far-away places” to it being available in designated “fan zones”.

Without official information, here is the current speculation regarding alcohol in Fan Zones:

STADIUMS - Alcohol will be allowed in Fan Zones OUTSIDE, but NOT inside the stadium. Only those with Hospitality Packages will have access to alcohol inside the stadium.

FIFA FAN FESTS - It has been rumored that there will be “dry” locations and those serving alcohol. See the UNVERIFIED image of possible FIFA Fan Fest locations.

OTHER LOCATIONS - Some rumors have focused on the possibility of Fan Zones located well outside of Doha, including “beach clubs” that would serve alcohol, but no official confirmation has been made by FIFA or the Supreme Committee.

COST - A pint of beer in the Fan Zones is expected to cost $6-7.

To follow official FIFA information regarding Fan Fests, you can monitor the page on their website Click Here.

Until then here’s that UNVERIFIED image of possible FIFA Fan Fest locations:

Ed Ball’s World Cup 2022 - Qatar Alcohol Map

U.S. Fan Ed Ball has created a map of locations within Qatar that serve alcohol. The map is being frequent updated, so be sure to monitor this link for some of the most up-to-date information regarding locations to find alcohol during Qatar 2022: Click Here