VIPs exempt from alcohol ban at Paris 2024 Olympic Games

27 June 2023, 13:38

VIPs exempt from alcohol ban at Paris 2024 Olympic Games
VIPs exempt from alcohol ban at Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: LBC / Alamy

By Danielle DeWolfe

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that VIPs will be be allowed to consume alcohol at next summer's Paris Olympics - despite a blanket ban for regular stadium ticket holders.

Under Evin's Law - a French law dating back more than 30 years, the sale of alcohol to the general public is banned in stadiums except for a limited number of exemptions for live events each year.

However, a spokesperson for Paris 2024 has revealed that event organisers decided not to seek an exemption to a law ahead of the Games.

Local newspaper Le Parisien also revealed that VIPs will still be permitted to quaff champagne - among other alcohols - in hospitality areas.

It follows widespread lobbying from sports fans to allow the sale in stadia across the country, with many complaining about the apparent hypocrisy.

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

A spokesperson for Paris 2024 has revealed that event organisers decided not to seek an exemption to a law ahead of the Games.
A spokesperson for Paris 2024 has revealed that event organisers decided not to seek an exemption to a law ahead of the Games. Picture: LBC / Alamy

It stands in contrast to the rules governing attendees of this year's Rugby World Cup in France, after organisers negotiated an exemption meaning rugby fans could drink in stadiums across the country.

Speaking with Reuters, a spokesperson for the Games said: "Paris 2024 will be organising more than 700 competition sessions over 15 days of competition.

Read more: Working From Home fuels long term sickness says minister as record 2.5million people signed off work

Read more: 'More competitive than ever': Supermarket bosses deny profiteering despite massive hikes in takings in grilling by MPs

"It is the strict application of French law that allows catering services that include the provision of alcohol to operate in hospitality areas as they are governed by a separate law on catering."

According to the regulations, the law permits exemption for 10 events per organiser per year per municipality.

Given the extensive number of competition sessions over the 15 day period, a change in the law would be required to allow for the Games.

A spokesperson for Paris 2024 has revealed that event organisers decided not to seek an exemption to a law ahead of the Games.
A spokesperson for Paris 2024 has revealed that event organisers decided not to seek an exemption to a law ahead of the Games. Picture: LBC / Alamy

It follows the 2022 Tokyo Olympics which saw Games organisers bow to pressure from the Japanese public by banning alcohol following the pandemic.

The news also contrasts scenes seen at the Champions League final in 2022, where supporters from both sides could be seen consuming alcohol inside Paris' Stade de France.

The purchase and consumption of alcohol, however, was prohibited in public spaces around the stadium's vicinity.

Beer and wine was also made available at both the 2012 and 2016 Games in London and Rio de Janeiro respectively.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the UK commits to sending more drones

Drones for Ukraine: UK to send Kyiv more military aid after Biden gives Zelenskyy go-ahead to strike within Russia

Yvette Cooper has warned that police need reform

'Policing by consent at risk if forces are not reformed', Home Secretary warns, as she launches national overhaul

Jeremy Clarkson is set to be among thousands of farmers protesting against the changes to inheritance tax

Jeremy Clarkson to lead 20,000 farmers as they descend on Westminster to protest inheritance tax changes

Seemingly inoffensive activities have been hit with banning orders by local councils

Pub quizzes, beekeeping and birdfeeding banned as councils crack down on inoffensive hobbies

Vardy and Rooney

Rebekah Vardy hits out at Coleen Rooney as 'gift that keeps on giving' after I'm A Celebrity mishap

BA flights have been delayed

Airport misery for thousands as British Airways flights delayed by technical glitch

Diana Johnson

Minister says '13,000 officers' in local neighbourhoods hold the key to quashing anti-social behaviour

Officers of New York Police Department (NYPD) investigate the site where the suspect of 3 knife attacks that killed 2 was captured and taken into custody

Two stabbed to death and one seriously hurt in 'random rampage' in New York, as homeless man arrested

Family of Harshita Brella say they 'want justice' as manhunt continues after daughter's body discovered in car boot

Family of Harshita Brella say they 'want justice' after daughter's body discovered in car boot - as manhunt continues

Exclusive
A Donald Trump ally has told LBC that Joe Biden is sabotaging peace in Ukraine

Trump ally says Biden is 'sabotaging peace in Ukraine' admitting president-elect likely to reverse missile agreement

Politician and close security among five people facing prosecution over election date betting scandal

Politician and close security among five people facing prosecution over election date betting scandal

Russia has vowed a 'tangible response' to the use of long-range missiles on its territory

Russia vows 'tangible response' if Ukraine uses long-range missiles on its territory - and says 'US would be involved'

Father of four jailed after threatening to burn down 'every mosque in Newcastle' during 'dangerous' TikTok rant

Father of four jailed after threatening to burn down 'every mosque in Newcastle' in 'dangerous' TikTok rant

Joe Biden has said the US supports Ukrainian sovereignty

Defiant Biden says US 'supports Ukraine's sovereignty' after Russia's WW3 warning over long-range missile threat

Britain's Got Talent star Kerrie-Anne Donaldson found hanged days after being released from hospital

Britain's Got Talent star Kerrie-Anne Donaldson found dead at home days after being released from hospital

Keith Rollinson

Drunk teen who killed bus driver after 'headbutting' and 'raining punches' down on him detained for four years