International fans attending next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris may be in for a rude awakening if they hope to enjoy a beer or cocktail while taking in the action.
Alcohol won’t be sold to the general public at competition venues in France, as the organizing committee has opted against seeking an exemption from a longstanding French law prohibiting alcohol sales at stadiums.
Fans lucky enough to make it into a VIP area will be able to buy alcohol, though, in accordance with the law.
Reminiscent of Qatar
The vibe at the Paris Games could be similar to last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which abruptly banned beer sales just two days before the tournament began after originally saying they would be allowed. Qatar also sold alcohol in VIP areas.
Organizers can seek exemptions to sell alcohol for up to 10 events per year — as the Rugby World Cup in France will do this fall. The Olympic organizing committee cited the Games’ 700-plus competition sessions over 15 days as a reason for not seeking a waiver.
French fans will be used to this relatively conservative environment: The 80,000-seat Stade de France offers alcohol-free beer to the general public.
