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The 2024 edition of the Olympic Games would allow VIPs to have alcohol at the venues, whereas the general public will be refrained from doing so. The decision comes under a French Law that dates back to 1991. A Paris 2024 official confirmed that alcohol won’t be served in the competition to the spectators, unless they are VIPs. Reports also suggested that the forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 in the months of September and October will also allow serving of alcohol to the spectators.
The Paris 2024 spokesperson told USA Today Sports and confirmed the news of serving alcohol to the general public in the 2024 summer games. The official cited 1991’s Evin’s Law that permits alcohol and tobacco, according to which the sale of alcohol in “stadiums, physical education rooms, gymnasiums”, along with other sports venues is not allowed. The rule differs in places of catered hospitality areas, which qualify VIP suites.
The law gives exceptions to 10 events per year, and while the Olympics didn’t get an exception, the organisers for Rugby World Cup negotiated. The official said, “Paris 2024 has not sought an exemption from this law. Such an exemption would have required a change in the law for an event the size of the Games.”
In 2019, France's then health minister Agnes Buzyn suggested banning alcohol in the VIP areas as well, but the drinks companies criticised the idea. During the FIFA 2022 World Cup, it was announced that the tournament would be alcohol-free just 48 hours before the games. Also, while beer and wine were available in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, alcohol got banned from the 2020 Olympics.
