Alcohol will no longer be available at the 2022 World Cup stadiums. (Picture: EPA/NEIL HALL)

While the World Cup 2022 was already mired in controversy for some, another interesting development has occurred for fans already planning on attending the competition.

It’s been announced that alcohol will no longer be sold at the World Cup stadiums, with just two days to go until the tournament kicks off.

While alcohol will still be able to be consumed in the designated fan zones, it does go to show the degree to which drinking is not a part of the culture in the host country, Qatar.

While Hemmingway claimed he only drank to make other people more interesting, it is perhaps the greatest philosopher of all, Homer Simpson, who put it best in saying: ‘alcohol, the cause of — and solution to — all life’s problems.’

As such, several countries in the world have opted to ban the sale (and sometimes the consumption of alcohol), and Qatar is far from alone in having strict rules.

So, which other countries have a ban on alcohol?

Here is everything you need to know.

Why is there no beer at the World Cup?

Qatar is known for its strict laws around alcohol, with the gov.uk travel advice stating: ‘It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public.’

‘Alcohol is available only at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system.’

The sale of alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Picture: MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images).

The only alcoholic beverage that would have been offered was Budweiser beer due to its sponsorship of FIFA.

In a statement, the decision was announced ‘following discussions between the host country authorities and FIFA’.

Which countries have bans on alcohol?

Very few countries in the world have complete and total bans on alcohol in place, but for those that do, the penalties can be severe, including jail time and heavy fines.

For some countries, exceptions are made for foreigners, who can purchase alcohol in hotels or other designated areas (like in Qatar) – though this can be strictly policed.

In other countries, individual provinces or areas may have bans on the sale or consumption of alcohol in public.

It is important to respect the local customs and laws around alcohol that are in place in your destination if you are planning to travel.

As such, it’s always advisable to look up the latest travel advice via the gov.uk website.

Some of the most prominent countries to have versions of alcohol bans in place are:

AfghanistanBangladeshBruneiIndia (in some provinces)IranLibyaMauritaniaPakistanEmirate of Sharjah in United Arab EmiratesSaudi ArabiaSudanSomaliaKuwaitYemen

The United States of America once attempted Prohibition – a complete ban on alcohol – but it proved (as it has in many other countries) very difficult to enforce.

Alcohol is not only consumed for pleasure but is also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, among other uses, which can also complicate bans. 

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Qatar isn’t the only country to have strict rules on the sale of alcohol.