We are just one month away from the start of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, postponed from last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. As the opening ceremony date of July 23rd looms, organizers are making final preparations to ensure a safe and healthy event, including announcing the decision this week to ban alcohol sales at venues during the Games.
Head of the Tokyo Games’ organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto, told reporters that ‘organizers have decided to ban the sale of alcohol at venues in accordance with experts’ advice.’ (AP News)
According to Japan Times, the Games’ organizers had been considering a plan to allow the sale of alcohol with some restrictions but the initial plan provoked public outcry in the country. (Forbes)
The alcohol ban appears to be more of an attempt at controlling crowds, overall behavior, and physical contact than anything else. Additionally, spectators will not be allowed to shout, bring or drink any alcohol, or wave anything in the air to cheer on athletes. (UPI)
“The festive mood will have to be suppressed—that has become a major challenge,” Hashimoto said “People can feel joy in their hearts, but they can’t be loud, and they have to avoid crowds. Those are the areas where we need to be creative, and we are putting in a lot of effort to come up with a new way of celebrating.”
