Qatar will now move beer stations away from directly outside stadiums, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Monday.
The news comes just a week ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled for kickoff on November 20.
According to the report, “the people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss sensitive planning details for the tournament,” adding that World Cup officials appeared to confirm the changes in a statement.
Budweiser — which is the official sponsor of beer during the 29-day tournament — was only made aware of the new plan on Saturday.
Qatar exercises tight regulation on the sale and access of alcohol.
While alcohol is not banned in Qatar, visitors can only purchase it at bars inside designated hotels.
“Operational plans are being finalised,” a representative of the World Cup organising committee said in a statement to NYT, adding that “this has a direct impact on the location of certain fan areas.” The statement made no mention of beer, and noted that “pouring times and the number of pouring destinations” remained the same at all eight stadiums.
The decision to move the sales points involves eight beer stations.
As of Sunday, staff members wearing yellow safety vests could be seen rolling beer tents decorated with Budweiser’s logo to new locations. The New York Times reporter had also shared the clip on Twitter:
Qatari officials are said to have asked that the tents be moved away from other concession points, including those belonging to McDonald’s, another longstanding FIFA partner, but also merchandise stalls and other sponsor-themed activities.
In September, it was reported that Qatar will permit ticketed fans to buy alcoholic beer at World Cup soccer matches starting three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.
Fans can also purchase alcoholic beer at World Cup soccer matches starting three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.
Beer will be served within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each stadium, but not in the stadium stands or concourse.
Budweiser will also be allowed to serve beer in part of the main FIFA fan zone in central Doha “from 6:30pm to 1:00am every day of the 29-day tournament,” sources with knowledge of the matter previously told Reuters.
According to the latest report by NYT, the timings for the sale of beer remain unchanged despite the stations being moved.
Budweiser will also open sales of its non-alcoholic beer, Budweiser Zero, in stadium concourses and stands during games and at other fan sites, the source said.
Qatar is home to the world’s most expensive beer, with a beer bottle (330ml) costing $11.26, according to a report by the World Beer Index 2021 by Expensivity.
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