Getting a beer has "never been easy in Qatar," but buying a six-pack there will now set you back at least $26, "thanks to an alcohol tax that went into effect on Tuesday," according to Palko Karasz of the N.Y. TIMES. Qatar, a predominantly Muslim country that has "long had strict limits on the purchase and consumption of alcohol," has "essentially doubled the cost overnight." A 100% tax, calculated on the previous sales price, has been imposed on all alcohol imports. The new prices "apply only to foreigners living in Qatar who have valid permits to buy alcohol." The price increases that went into effect on Tuesday are "likely to be a delicate subject" as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 World Cup. Many have "wondered how much Qatari society might bend to accommodate guests who view drinking as a central part of the World Cup experience." Qatari officials have said that alcohol consumption would be "more restricted than in other World Cups." They have suggested that "some drinking would be allowed in designated zones," and that the country’s courts would "deal more gently with visiting fans who consume alcohol than usual" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/1).
