Paris 2024 fans cannot drink alcoholic beer inside Olympic venues – but VIPs can

Organisers tell Telegraph Sport they ‘did not ask for an exemption’ to ensure those in the cheaper seats could also enjoy a drink

In the city of fine wine and high dining, the alcohol runs dry inside Olympics venues as French laws force spectators to settle for €8 non-alcoholic beers.
Only arrivals lucky enough to get VIP hospitality at Paris 2024 can enjoy booze under restrictions limiting alcohol sales at stadiums unless they accompany a meal.
Organisers tell Telegraph Sport they “did not ask for an exemption or special dispensation” to ensure those in the cheaper seats could also enjoy a drink.
“Special dispensation,” a spokesman told The Telegraph, “would need a legislative change for an event the size of the Games.”
“The law allows for an exemption from the ban on the sale of alcohol for 10 events per organiser per year per municipality and Paris 2024 will host more than 700 sessions over 15 days of competition,” the organisers added.
Local legislation passed in 1991 effectively stops stadiums selling alcoholic drinks without a meal. While those enjoying hospitality – and therefore a meal – will therefore be able to enjoy at least a glass or two, other fans will have to settle for 500ml of alcohol-free Kronenbourg 1664 for £6.73 (€8) or 400ml of Tourtel Twist’s alcohol-free beer with a twist of lemon at £5.01 (€6). Soft drinks are priced at £4.20 (€5) and water is £2.94 (€3.50) at events.
So far, spectators have been impressed by the quality of the food, however. Cheeseburgers are £9.24 (€11), hot dogs are £7.98 (€9.50), chicken sandwiches £7.14 (€8.50) and egg muffins £6.72 (€8).
The alcohol-free zones at the Olympics come after the European Championship in Germany saw alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers served for the England vs Serbia game in Gelsenkirchen.
Explaining the non-alcohol rule in Paris, organisers said: “It is the strict application of French law that authorises alcohol service alongside catering services in hospitality areas. This is not the result of a decision by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.”