Olympic organizers eye alcohol sale ban: sources

Jun 23, 2021 | News On Japan

Jun 23, 2021 (NHK) - Sources say that the Tokyo Olympic Games' organizers are considering banning alcoholic beverages at competition venues.

The President of the Tokyo Olympic Games' organizing committee, Hashimoto Seiko, on Monday said the idea of selling alcohol to spectators is being discussed.

She said the committee is looking at general rules and whether the spectators can observe safety protocols and be prevented from talking loudly or shouting.

Medical workers and others called for the plan to be reviewed. They said that if spectators drink at venues, it would make it difficult for them to travel to and from venues directly without stopping anywhere as the organizers are asking.

Sources close to the Games said the committee is now working towards a ban on alcohol, as it places the highest priority on safety in the event.

The committee plans to soon release guidelines for spectator behavior, including eating and drinking at the venues.

Officials plan to cap venues at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 10,000 spectators in principle. But spectators may be banned if a state of emergency is put into effect.

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