Tokyo 2020 Won't Sell Alcohol at Venues

(ATR) Tokyo 2020 organizers have reversed course and banned alcoholic beverages at the Olympics next month after their plans to sell them came under widespread criticism.

The public, health experts and government officials from both the ruling and opposition parties all came out against plans reported on Tuesdayto allow spectators to buy alcoholic beverages during the events with restrictions including likely time limits for sales to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The plan was believed to have been an effort to help out Asahi Group Holdings, a primary Tokyo 2020 sponsor. The company’s Super Dry is the official beer of the Games.

The alcohol ban was announced as part of the safety guidelines for ticket holders released on Wednesday, one month before the Opening Ceremony.

Spectators have also been warned that they cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages with them. They are also bannedfrom loud cheering, giving high-fives and towel waving.

The new rules were released at the same time as details for a second ticket lottery that is now required after caps were put on the number of domestic spectators allowed to attend.. The number of tickets must be reduced by 910,000 to 2.72 million, about 35 percent of the total seats in venues.

On Monday it was announced that venues could allow up to 50 percent capacity for spectators at the Games, with a cap of 10,000 fans.

Written by Gerard Farek

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