Fans banned from drinking alcohol during World Cup 2022 games in Qatar

New regulations have been agreed between FIFA and Qatar World Cup officials that will ban fans of England and Wales among others from drinking during fixtures this winter.

Bars inside stadiums will shut on kick-off and only reopen again at full-time amid strict rules over alcohol that will include a police crack down on public drunkenness.

While international hotels and official Fifa fan zones will be permitted to serve alcoholic drinks, they will be open with restricted hours.

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The Sun report those areas with be strictly enforced under the eye of Qatari police, with no drinking allowed in open spaces.

A drinking area has been confirmed at the Doha Golf Club with room for 20,000 supporters, with other dance and drink venues open in the city.

Although British fans will not be able to nip for a quick half-time pint, drinking in view of the pitch shouldn't be a problem as they align with Football League and Premier League rules.

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Back in 2018, Russia only served alcohol-free beers in stadiums apart from in hospitality areas, where a full bar was available.

England will face Iran, the United States and neighbours Wales in Group B, with their first fixture at the Khalifa International Stadium their second at the Al Bayt Stadium and third at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Fans have also been warned to leave e-cigarettes at home to avoid strong repercussions.

By the letter of the law, penalties for vaping in Qatar can include fines of up to 10,000 riyals (around £2,200) and even three month prison sentences due to regulations that came into force in 2014.

E-cigarettes have risen in popularity in the UK as both an alternative to smoking, with the process of vaping coming from the heating of a liquid that usually contains nicotine and flavourings.

Speaking in 2016, head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Kholood al-Mutawa said: "The e-cigarette was banned in Qatar according to a ministry order in 2014."

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