Qatar declares war on beer

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Budweiser beer stands will be moved to all eight stadiums for the World Cup to less visible areasa few days before the opening of the tournament, the organizers of Qatar indicated.

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It is the latest change in plans for the World Cup in the Muslim-majority emirate where the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated. Qataris won the seat in 2010.

Launching its bid in 2009, Qatar promised to abide by FIFA’s trade agreements, including the Budweiser deal it renewed 11 years ago with brewery AB InBev until the 2022 tournament. World Cup organizers have finally confirmed a policy to sell beer in FIFA-sanctioned stadiums and fan zones in September.

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On Saturday, with eight days left until the tournament started, modified the agreement to equip the Budweiser tents with reduced visibility for the sale of alcoholic beer along the perimeter of the stadiums.

“AB InBev was notified on November 12 and is working with FIFA to relocate the licensees to designated locations,” the Belgian company, which includes Anheuser-Busch, said on Monday. “We are working with FIFA to offer the best experience for fans.”

The organizers of the World Cup in Qatar have specified that “they are finalizing the operational plans”.

“These plans include venue management and cover all venue requirements,” the Supreme Committee for Inheritance and Procurement said in reference to the brand image of sporting events and official venues.

“This will impact the allocation of some fan zones,” the organizers added, refusing to answer the question of who made the decision.

Four years ago in Russia, Budweiser had the best position of all sponsors outside Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, venue for the opening match and final.

It was only in September that a commitment was announced to sell beer in Qatar and allow alcoholic beer to be served before and after matches on the perimeter of stadiums. Only Bud Zero non-alcoholic beer may be served during matches and in the stadium.

Champagne, wine and other drinks, as well as beer, can be served in the corporate spaces of the stadiums. Fans staying in luxury hotels and three cruise ships contracted by the organizers as floating hotels for the tournament will be able to purchase various alcoholic beverages.

Prices

Only the non-alcoholic version of the drink will be sold inside the stadiums because Qatar, being a Muslim country, prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in some places.

Currently the sale of beer, wine and other spirits in Qatar is only available in restaurants attached to luxury hotels, where a pint can cost around $18.

During the World Cup, the price of a 500-milliliter Budweiser beer would be 50 Qatari riyals, or about $13.73. Non-alcoholic beer will be offered at 30 Qatari riyals or $8.24.

Source: Clarin

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