BEER has run dry in World Cup nation Qatar. Hotels in the capital Doha are out of draft ales and bottled supplies are dwindling. The Qatar Distribution Company, the nation’s sole alcohol supplier, has failed to deliver barrels of Heineken, Stella and Guinness for two weeks without explanation. Footie fans are vowing to shun the […]
BEER has run dry in World Cup nation Qatar.
Hotels in the capital Doha are out of draft ales and bottled supplies are dwindling.
The Qatar Distribution Company, the nation’s sole alcohol supplier, has failed to deliver barrels of Heineken, Stella and Guinness for two weeks without explanation.
Footie fans are vowing to shun the 2022 showpiece unless the mystery stoppage is solved.
An expat pilot, 30, said: “It’s unbelievable. Everywhere is running out. The government seem determined to stop everyone drinking or having fun. If this isn’t sorted they’ll be hosting the most miserable World Cup ever.”
Foreigners face jail if caught drinking in public so pay up to £11 a pint in hotels.
A barman at the W Hotel said: “It’s a national shortage.”
One at the Doha Sheraton added: “QDC have not told us why. We are trying to get in more bottled beers but for now our stocks are dry.”
The Marriott and Intercontinental are also running out.
In January the government introduced a 100 per cent tax on all imported alcohol and pork, driving prices sky high.
A 24-bottle crate of beer costs £82 whilst a litre of Bombay Sapphire gin sells for £73.25.
The tax hike is thought to be linked to the beer shortage. The QDC was unavailable for comment last night.
A 30-year-old British pilot who lives in Doha said: “I’m a big football fan but have no intention of coming here for the World Cup – especially if you can’t get a beer.”
