For over three decades, Evin's Law has regulated alcohol sales in French stadiums, generally prohibiting sales to the public. The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics organizers have chosen to uphold this law, forgoing an exemption, according to a statement to Reuters.

Given the scale of the Games, with over 700 competition sessions across 15 days, an exemption would have necessitated a legal amendment. The current law permits only 10 exemptions per organizer, per year, per municipality.

This image depicts the International Olympic Committee headquarters located in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Credit: LAURENT GILLIERON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While the 2023 Rugby World Cup, also hosted in France, secured an exemption, the likelihood of the Olympics organizers pursuing one seems slim.

However, French law distinguishes between general seating and catered hospitality areas, like VIP suites. This means VIP attendees at the 2024 Paris Olympics will have access to alcoholic beverages. While advertising is permitted on billboards and online, sales will be exclusively for VIP guests.

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will adhere to French law regarding alcohol sales. (Credit: THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)

A spokesperson clarified that the availability of alcohol in hospitality areas falls under separate catering laws. The Paris 2024 organizers emphasized that they are simply applying existing legislation and it is the responsibility of lawmakers to define the framework for event organizers.

Reporters gather outside the headquarters of the Paris Olympic organizers on June 20, 2023. (Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Alcohol restrictions in sports venues are not unique to France. Many Spanish venues prohibit alcohol sales and consumption, and Germany enforces restrictions during high-rivalry soccer matches. In contrast, both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2012 London Summer Olympics permitted alcohol sales within stadiums.