Olympic Golf: Alcohol Is Banned For Commoners and Not the Rich Fans; Here’s Why

Just like major golf tournaments, the Paris Olympics also have a set of rules. However, these rules seem unusual to some golf fans. Whether at PGA Tour events or LIV Golf events, fans can enjoy alcohol and beer while celebrating their time on the greens at the “Party Hole” for the PGA Tour and the “Watering Hole” for LIV Golf. Things do seem to get out of hand at times, like they did at this year’s WM Phoenix Open.

Unfortunately, such luxuries are absent at the Paris Olympics unless you are a VIP. While these unusual Olympic rules permit alcohol for spectators with VIP tickets, fans with general tickets do not enjoy the same privilege. This is because of Evin’s law, cited in 1991, which doesn’t allow anyone to consume alcohol or tobacco on the premises of the Paris Olympics. At the same time, French law prohibits the sale of alcohol in “stadiums, physical education rooms, gymnasiums,” and other sports venues, as reported by NBC.

Thanks to the hospitality offered at the Paris Olympics, there are fully stocked bars with beer, wine, and other beverages for VIP customers. Prices for this hospitality option vary from $144.27 to $480.91. Meanwhile, regular ticket holders can only enjoy soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers on the premises. These rules apply to everyone attending the Olympics, regardless of the sport.

Some American spectators with regular tickets, accustomed to having beer available at sporting events, might find this disappointing. Surprisingly, there are no official rules explicitly prohibiting individuals from bringing alcoholic drinks from outside. However, it is advised not to do so to avoid any potential issues. It seems like a usual rule for the fans, but what about the athletes? Is it the same for them too?

The rules for athletes are slightly different at the Paris Olympics

There are a lot of games at the Olympics, and as a result, there are a lot of athletes from different corners of the country. After reaching the host country, the athletes usually post up in the Olympic Village. This year, there are 14,250 athletes, as per reports, and all of them are staying at the Olympic Village. This obviously includes all the golfers, like Scottie Scheffler and others representing their respective countries. The Olympic Village spans three cities: Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, and L’Île-Saint-Denis, and all of them aren’t very far away from each other.

Just like regular ticket holders, partying and any sort of alcohol consumption are prohibited for the athletes, regardless of the place they are staying at. However, if any athlete wants to enjoy alcohol or beer, they can consume it outside of the Olympic Village premises. Laurent Michaud, director of the village, explained all the rules. While doing so, he also said, “It’s going to be a great place so they can share their moment and the environment here,” as revealed on the Cosmopolitan website.

What do you think of this unusual rule at the Olympics? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!