WORLD Cup fans face the sobering prospect of a Qatar happy-hour ban.
England and Wales supporters had hoped to dodge £13-a-pint prices.
But licenced hotels, the only places normally selling booze in the Muslim desert state, fear they will be overwhelmed by more than a million thirsty footie followers from around the globe.
And leading chains have responded by banning popular happy-hour reductions.
They have also axed boozy “bottomless” brunches — or have ramped up the prices.
Friday and Saturday brunch prices at the Four Seasons Hotel bar in the capital Doha will soar from £130 to £306 for the tournament.
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Its happy hours offering all-you-can-drink bottled beer for £42 have been halted.
The five-star Kempinski has stopped cut-price sessions too, charging £11 a bottle instead of a “bargain” £8.40.
A Four Seasons worker said: “We wouldn’t cope if thousands tried to take advantage of our happy hours.”
Fan zone prices have yet to be set. Insiders estimate £7-a-pint.
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1966 coin is tossed up in sale
THE coin used for the toss before the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley is up for auction.
Memorabilia collector Bryan Horsnell was given it directly by Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst.
The 1966-dated coin may fetch up to £2,000 at a World Cup Memorabilia sale in London next week.
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Hundreds of lots include Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1970 shirt, which could sell for £3,000.
A Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to 1966 commentary legend and RAF volunteer Kenneth Wolstenholme is set to go for at least £10,000.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk