VIP Spectators Can Override The Alcohol Ban At Paris 2024 Olympics

Bans on alcohol are not unknown at major sporting events. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, for example, authorities in Qatar prohibited the sale of both beer and spirits to spectators. The reasons were cultural in that case, and safety driven for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which took place during the coronavirus pandemic. Neither reason applies in France, but nonetheless, the European country, famed for its wine, is banning alcohol sales to all but VIP spectators at next year's 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Reuters reports.

The culprit is Evin's Law, which was enacted in 1991 to curtail alcohol and tobacco advertising at sporting stadia. Exemptions to the alcohol ban happen fairly often, but the scope of the Summer Olympics — which will showcase approximately 700 contests in over 30 different sports, and thus requires multiple venues — made such an exemption impossible. As a consequence, the only spectators who'll be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages during next year's Olympic games will be those in privileged VIP areas. Turns out, there's a loophole in Evin's Law that only applies to VIPs.

VIPs won't be skirting Evin's Law by paying for the privilege, rather certain areas in Olympic venues aren't subject to the alcohol ban because the law doesn't apply to catering companies. Thus, catering companies who are contracted to serve VIP areas are legally allowed to serve beer, wine, and spirits, and are expected to do so during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

VIP spectators may not be paying to acquire this privilege, but they will pay richly for their tickets, and for any alcoholic drinks they may wish to consume as they watch some of the world's finest athletes compete in myriad sporting contests. Tickets with access to VIP areas are expected to be prohibitively expensive and could cost over $5,000 for high-profile events like the men's 100-meter dash. 

Fine French Champagne, aside from the glasses offered as a welcome courtesy to VIPs, is going to be pricey. Alcoholic beverages in general, in fact, are expected to be sold at a premium cost during the 2024 Summer Olympics. So if you're planning on attending and are not an avowed teetotaler, you'd best bring plenty of euros.