Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff just signed into law a bill that would theoretically guarantee the right to sell beer during 2014 World Cup matches. Beer has been banned at such matches in Brazil since 2003, to cut down on fights, collateral damage, and battles with opposing fans.
Jerome Valcke, FIFA’s general secretary:
“Alcoholic drinks are part of the Fifa World Cup, so we’re going to have them. Excuse me if I sound a bit arrogant but that’s something we won’t negotiate,” he said. “The fact that we have the right to sell beer has to be a part of the law.”
Looks like the 2014 World Cup could get interesting if beer sales return. The new bill doesn’t mention a ban on alcohol, theoretically opening the window for beer sales. Local governments might still have the power to ban beer sales where the matches are played. (Much like Sunday sales, or growler sale bans by county in the U.S.) Budweiser is a major of the World Cup. [BBC]
