World Cup 2022: Can fans drink alchohol in Qatar? Is beer allowed?

Many fans of countries all over the world will be travelling to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, starting this November. 

Fans of western nations will need to be told and reminded to respect the rules of the Islamic nation, but with some relaxation for the competition, what are the actual rules for drinking alcohol at the tournament?

Can you drink in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup? Is beer allowed?

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t illegal to drink alcohol in Qatar However, it is illegal to be drunk in public or even to drink in the public eye.

The official guidance for visitors of the country states:

"It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. British nationals have been detained under this law, usually when they have come to the attention of the police on a related matter, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour."

"For example, drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine up to QAR3,000." 

You can, however, purchase booze from licensed hotels, restaurants and bars in the country if you are over the age of 21 and there is also an off-licence, but fans will need a permit to drink from this.

If you attempt to smuggle alcohol into the country or outside designated zones, you risk being deported or fined.

Fans will also be able to access a drink in a 40,000-capacity fan zone in Doha.

CEO of the World Cup, Nasser al-Khater, said this on the alcohol controversy:

“Alcohol is not part of our culture. However, hospitality is."

"Alcohol is not as readily available here as in other parts of the world but for the World Cup we want to ensure it is accessible for fans who want to have a drink, so we are trying to find designated locations for fans to have alcohol, other than traditional places such as hotels and so forth.”