🍻 Is THIS The Future Of Drinking At Events? - Banned 2034 World Cup

🍻Should Drinking Be Banned At Events? The Future UNPACKED...

WARNING: This episode discusses drinking, addiction and if you or someone you know find this to be a sensitive topic, this episode isn't for you. 

With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup—andlikely following in Qatar’s footsteps by banning alcohol sales in stadiums—we’re seeing a growing trend of major sporting events distancing themselves from booze. But is this the future, or just an isolated case?

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Kingdom has revealed that no alcohol will be allowed at the 2034 World Cup.

In an interview on LBC, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said no alcohol will be sold anywhere during the tournament, including in hotels.

"At the moment, we don't allow alcohol," PrinceKhalid told LBC.

"Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol - it's not100% necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment, we don't have alcohol."

Prince Khalid also ruled out the possibility of fans drinking alcohol back in their hotels like they were able to at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which is a Muslim country.

"No, there is no alcohol at all," he said."Rather like our weather, it's a dry country."

"Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don't want to change our culture for someone else."

Australia's drinking culture has long been a significantaspect of its social fabric, but recent trends indicate shifts in consumption patterns, health implications, and economic impacts.

Current Consumption Statistics

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption: In 2022-23, approximately 80.3% of South Australians reported consuming at least one full serve of alcohol in the past year, a figure consistent with previous years.
sahealth.sa.gov.au

Risky Drinking Behaviors: Nationally, 31% of Australians aredrinking at risky levels, with around one in four reporting they'd had more than 10 standard drinks per week on average in 2022-23.
adf.org.au

 

REFERENCES:

https://www.ticketnews.com/2025/02/saudi-arabia-says-alcohol-will-be-banned-at-2034-fifa-world-cup/

 

SUPPORT:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction inAustralia, numerous services offer support, counseling, and treatment. Here are some key contacts:

National Services:

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: Provides freeand confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, including available treatment options. Call 1800 250 015 to be automatically directed to the appropriate service in your state or territory. 

headtohealth.gov.au

Lifeline: Offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Reach them at 13 11 14 or visit their website.

SMART Recovery Australia: Provides evidence-based addiction recovery programs through free group meetings. More information is available on their website.

 

ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

 

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Video Producer -  Mads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/