Many people around the world woke up with a sore head after a night of overindulgence on New Year's Eve.

But hangovers might be about to get a lot less likely over in Qatar, which has introduced a 100% tax on alcohol from today.

The "sin" tax comes weeks after the conservative Gulf state announced plans to introduce a levy on "health-damaging" goods.

Booze prices were already high - and following the changes, a one litre bottle of gin will now cost 304 Qatari riyals (£73.25), while a 24-pack of beer cans will cost 384 riyals (£82.73).

The cost of a bottle of wine is pricey but not as steep, with 750ml of South African Shiraz now set to cost 86 riyals (£18.53).


Compared with what they were before, prices have doubled overnight - and the changes were revealed by the Qatar Distribution Company, the country's only alcohol store.

It is legal to buy alcohol in Qatar with a permit, and alcohol is served in licensed bars, clubs and hotels. However, drinking in public is banned.

The price hikes are likely to be a sensitive subject in the run-up to the World Cup in 2022.

Organisers of the football tournament say alcohol will be available for fans in designated areas, but forbidden in public spaces out of respect for the country's traditions.