Reports: Qatar bans sale of beer outside of World Cup stadiums

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Investing.com — Beer sales have been barred around World Cup stadiums in Qatar, according to sources quoted in several media reports.

The Gulf country has heavy controls over alcohol sales. But it had originally permitted major World Cup sponsor Budweiser to sell its beverages around the venues where matches for world soccer’s showpiece tournament are set to take place.

However, it has reportedly changed the policy with only days to go before the first game kicks off, restricting the sale of alcohol to only hospitality suites inside of stadiums and at a designated fan area in Doha.

An official announcement is expected to be released on Friday.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA NV (EBR:ABI), the parent company of Budweiser, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.