They think it’s all sober ..it’s not now
DOHA PUB’S BOSS RESCUES BRIT FANS
by JERRY LAWTON
BAR boss James Bailey has been hailed a World Cup hero after offering beer-starved England and Wales fans a boozy oasis in the desert.
He was dubbed the “Red Lionheart of Qatar” after announcing fans can sup ale in his traditional pub in the middle of Doha… at UK prices.
It came after the Gulf state’s ruling family U-turned on its pledge to let fans drink at stadiums – just 48 hours before the games kick off.
Tournament sponsors Budweiser responded with a since-deleted tweet saying simply: “Well, this is awkward…’’
Toffs in “hospitality” seats will still be allowed to booze in grounds.
James said his Red Lion pub in Doha was running a special offer of six pints of draught beer for £40.30 – or £6.72-a-pint. The deal is nearly half the £11.50 being charged for half-alitre of Budweiser offered only after 7pm in official Fifa fan zones run by Qatari killjoys. James said: “It was a surprise to hear beer has been banned at stadiums so late in the day.
“But I’m determined to lay on a wonderful World Cup welcome in Doha’s only English pub.” His righthand-man Steve Morgan, 50, added: “We’ve got 400 England fans booked in here for the next fortnight.”
Fifa said the decision was taken to ensure all fans had an “enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience”.
A spokesman for Match Hospitality – which provides corporate catering – confirmed VIPs will still be allowed to drink at games.
● Meanwhile, England sponsor Lucozade has pulled all its branding from the World Cup.