French law that bans the sale of alcohol in stadiums will remain in place for next year’s Paris Olympics, but VIPs will be exempt from the rule.

It was thought that the organisers of Paris 2024 would apply for an exemption in the same way as those running this year’s Rugby World Cup have – fans at the rugby will be allowed to drink at stadiums – but they decided any move would be unworkable.

According to a spokesperson for the Paris Olympics, it was decided that it was not feasible for them to apply for an exemption due to the size of the Olympics; it was deemed that an exemption would be unworkable, with a change in French law needed to cover the 700 competitions across 15 days at a variety of venues across the country.

But while the public attending events in stadiums will be banned from purchasing alcohol, the law will allow alcohol to be served and consumed within VIP areas, a distinction the Paris 2024 spokesperson emphasised had nothing to do with the Olympics organisers.

“It is not for Paris 2024 to comment on this application of different laws, but for the legislator to define the relevant framework for event organisers,” the spokesperson said.