BARRIO – Outrageous World Cup drinks prices have been revealed with visitors paying up to $140 a pint.

Unlike Dubai, Qatar has tougher restrictions on who can buy alcohol and where. Most purchases will be allowed at restaurants and high-end hotels.

But some sports bars have been accused of exploiting visitors by charging fans up to $425 each to watch the World Cup semi-finals and finals. The price includes a three-drink voucher for bottles of Budweiser or Corona or a glass of house wine. This works out to approximately $140 a drink.

Drinks giant Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide – which owns many of the world’s most popular beer brands including Becks, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois – are even training up to 6,000 workers in Qatar to be able to pour a pint properly.

Public drunkenness is technically illegal and those found guilty face up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,240. However, in reality, Qatari officials often turn a blind eye to expats getting drunk, as long as they stay within the restaurants and hotels. Spaces will be created to “sober up” drunk supporters.

Fans also can’t bring any booze into the country, and authorities will confiscate any alcohol in travellers’ luggage and there are also strict laws on drugs. Any fans caught smuggling cocaine into the country could face the death penalty.

Cheaper alternative locations for drinking have been identified by SunSport. Public House, Mulberry Tavern, The Irish Harp and Champions Sports bar are all good options.

The tournament kicks off on November 20 as host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.