In a surprise reversal, Qatar announced a ban of alcoholic beer at the eight stadiums hosting the World Cup. That leaves fans with just one “beer” choice — albeit one that isn’t boozy.
Soccer fans will still be able to purchase Bud Zero, an alcohol-free lager that Anheuser-Busch says tastes similar to its best-selling alcoholic beverage.
One serving of Bud Zero has 0 grams of sugar and 50 calories. The beer, which is Bud’s first ever zero alcohol beer, launched in the United States two years ago, targeting a growing trend of people choosing non-alcoholic beers.
Non-alcoholic alternatives to booze have been around for a while, but the sector has been booming lately. The non-alcoholic trend started to pick up a year or two before the pandemic and has continued to grow at a rapid clip. Demand for non-alcoholic alternatives has been largely driven by younger consumers.
Qatar is a Muslim country that is considered to be very conservative, and tightly regulates alcohol sales and usage. In September, officials said ticketed fans would be able to buy alcoholic beer three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.
I – Word Understanding
Booze – alcohol, especially hard liquor
Boozy – containing alcohol, can make one drunk
Albeit – although
Rapid clip – an occasion that happens quickly
II – Have Your Say
II – Have Your Say
1, Did you know? Qatar does not permit its people to drink alcohol in public or to be drunk in public, and “drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months.”
What are the rules in your country when it comes to drinking alcohol?
2, How is the trend of non-alcoholic or zero alcohol drinks in your country?
3, Are you a follower of the World Cup? In what manner do you watch and celebrate it?
923 What is Bud Zero, the only beer Budweiser can sell at the World Cup?
