‘Sobering tents’ will be used for ‘drunk and disorderly fans’ at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Fans who become drunk and disorderly at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be put in ‘sobering tents’ while under the influence of alcohol – according to reports.

The ‘sobering tents’ will be used for fans who have been involved in ‘minor incidents’ or become a threat to themselves and those around them.

The ‘sobering tents’ are being regarded as Qatar’s ‘soft’ approach to intoxicated fans as it was reported those caught drinking in public could be sentenced to prison. 

According to The Times, the sobering tents will be a way of dealing with drunk fans without locking them up in jail.

Supporters who have been taken to the tents will be forced to stay until the authorities believe they have sobered up.

Once they have recovered from the effects of the booze, they will be sent away with a formal warning and a slap on their wrist.

The likes of Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Cardiff have used similar methods when dealing with heavily intoxicated people. 

The ‘sobering tents’ will be used for fans who have been involved in ‘minor incidents’ 

However, they are referred to as ‘drunk tanks’. According to the NHS, ‘drunk tanks’ are supervised areas where revellers who have over-indulged can be checked and sleep it off. 

‘Drunk tanks’ are used sporadically across the UK to take pressure off hard-pressed A&E departments and 999 ambulance services. 

‘Drunk tanks’ are particularly effective during Christmas as thousands of party-goers celebrate the festive period with alcohol.

They will also be used for those who become a threat to themselves and those around them

Fans will be able to drink ‘prior to kick-off and after the final whistle’ in zones near the stadium

There will be over 2.5million fans attending the tournament in Qatar. Many of those will be coming from overseas. 

Travelling fans will be used to drinking heavily on match-days. Therefore, Qatar’s stance on alcohol may be as shock to their system. 

However, supporters will be allowed to enjoy a drink and watch the games on the big screen at the 40,000 capacity Fan Zone. 

Budweiser – who have been one of FIFA’s major sponsors for the last three decades – will be sold inside the Fan Zone at Al Bidda Park, near the Corniche. 

Oonly Budweiser’s zero-alcohol beer and soft-drinks will be available in the stadiums

A source with knowledge of the plans said beer stands would open in zones around stadiums when gates open for a match and close 30 minutes before each game starts.

The source said stands would reopen for a short time after the game. An alcohol-free alternative, Bud Zero, will be sold at matches.

Coca-Cola, another huge sponsor, has the sole right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at the eight stadiums to be used for the first World Cup in a Muslim nation.