![World Cup beer-drinking 'business as usual' in Qatar - top organiser](https://www.berlinertageblatt.de/media/shared/articles/19/28/b6/World-Cup-beer-drinking--business-a-868655.jpg)
-
'Super proud' Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
-
In Papua New Guinea, Pope holds mass 'at the edge of the world'
-
Hewett stays positive for wheelchair tennis despite agonising defeat
-
Three things on US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka
-
Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
-
USA men land Paralympic basketball three-peat, Jiang takes 7th swim gold
-
USA slump to first home defeat against Canada in 67 years
-
Argentina hand Australia record 67-27 loss in Rugby Championship
-
England impress on Carsley bow, Germany, Dutch hit five
-
AFP photographer wins top prize for Gaza coverage
-
No Love for Packers for three weeks after ligament sprain: reports
-
Pedro Almodovar: chronicler of modern Spain crowned in Venice
-
Almodovar wins top Venice prize for end-of-life film
-
Trump sounds dark tone at rally, Harris 'ready' for debate
-
Wirtz and Musiala dazzle to kick-start new Germany era
-
Chinese teenager takes 7th gold of Paris Paralympics
-
England interim boss Carsley 'respects' divided opinions over anthem
-
Neuville moves to the front in the Acropolis Rally
-
Garfield, Pugh charm Toronto in new romance 'We Live in Time'
-
21 boys confirmed dead in Kenya school inferno
-
Over 100,000 protest in France against new prime minister
-
Golden 30 minutes takes China to swimming Paralympics swimming domination
-
Green leads Australia to T20 series sweep of Scotland
-
Nigeria, Cameroon win afer chaotic AFCON build-ups
-
Nicole Kidman: A-lister, cinematic chameleon, wins in Venice
-
'I had to prove myself', says Kolisi after win against All Blacks
-
Almodovar wins top prize at Venice film festival
-
Grealish savours England redemption after 'worst summer'
-
Carsley makes flying start as England interim boss in win over Ireland
-
Springboks close on Rugby Championship with storming win over All Blacks
-
Sri Lanka's De Silva and Kamindu Mendis defy England in third Test
-
Farrell's Racing lose on opening day of Top 14
-
Ireland and UK to 'reset' relations as Starmer visits Dublin
-
Dunbar takes second Vuelta stage as Roglic closes in on victory
-
Fritz eyes US Open glory to end 21 years of American hurt
-
Thousands protest in France against new prime minister
-
Death toll from Kenya school blaze rises to 21
-
Brazil's right rallies for 'freedom' after X suspended
-
Trump to hold rally in swing state, Harris preps for debate
-
Stone at the double as Sri Lanka collapse against England in third Test
-
French tennis player takes legal action over online abuse
-
Italy backs Kyiv's 'legitimate defence' as Zelensky presses allies
-
The Body Shop rescued from administration after deal
-
Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint, extends MotoGP lead
-
Smoke and screams: The horror of Kenya's school dorm inferno
-
MotoGP leader Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint
-
Ireland and UK to 'reset' relations as Starmer begins Dublin visit
-
Ma Lin turns brutal encounter with bear into glorious Paralympic career
-
Flintoff appointed England Lions head coach
-
Sri Lanka hit back as Pope falls during England collapse in second Test
![World Cup beer-drinking 'business as usual' in Qatar - top organiser](https://www.berlinertageblatt.de/media/shared/articles/19/28/b6/World-Cup-beer-drinking--business-a-868655.jpg)
World Cup beer-drinking 'business as usual' in Qatar - top organiser
Beer-drinking will be "business as usual" at the Qatar World Cup, the tournament's chief insisted Thursday, despite severely restricted alcohol sales in the Muslim Gulf state.
Speaking 73 days from the first World Cup kicks off in an Arab nation, chief executive Nasser al-Khater said there was a "misconception" about alcohol sales, calling it one of the "unfair" criticisms faced by Qatar.
The price of accommodation and availability of beer have been among the main concerns raised by fans.
"Very simply put, we always stated that the sale of alcohol is available here in Qatar. We also said that during the World Cup we will make it available in specific zones for the fans," Khater said.
"I think that there is a misconception regarding the sale of alcohol in the stadiums," he said.
"We are working as any other World Cup where this is something typical and usual, and it is no different than any other World Cup."
While Qatar is not dry, like fellow Gulf states Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, alcohol can only be bought by residents in one special government store and about 35 hotel bars and restaurants.
Drinking in public is normally illegal.
But for the World Cup, beer will also be sold at special zones around the eight tournament stadiums before and after games, in a FIFA fan zone and some specially-designated areas.
Many countries have restrictions on beer sales at sporting events. At English Premier League games, fans are not allowed to drink within sight of the pitch.
- Security silence -
Khater said that Qatar, which has spent tens of billions of dollars on new stadiums and related infrastructure over the past decade, wanted a "family-oriented World Cup" which is why beer would not be widely available.
But away from the stadiums in the hotels and bars of Doha, it would be "business as usual" for drinkers, he declared.
Qatar is expecting more than one million fans for the World Cup, which runs from November 20 to December 18.
After having stipulated that only fans with tickets would be allowed into the country during the tournament, they now say that each registered ticket holder can bring in three people.
In response to fears raised about LGBTQ rights, the Gulf state's leaders have said all fans will be "welcome".
The organisers refused to say, however, what sanctions would be imposed for violence or drunkenness in the street.
They also refused to outline which countries are sending police or security forces for the World Cup.
So far, some 3,250 police from Turkey are the only contingent whose deployment has been confirmed.
Security accords have been signed though with France, Britain, Italy and NATO.
Khater said all stadiums and infrastructure were now ready and that "aesthetic" work to roads was being completed as "the icing on the cake".
I.Meyer--BTB