The Sale And Consumption Of Alcohol Are Banned By The Committee During The 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo 2020 Olympics illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Tokyo-Good)

JAKARTA - Had drawn criticism with plans to allow the sale of alcohol during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The organizers finally decided to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol during the quadrennial world sports event.

The organizing committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics released safety guidelines for ticket holders, including banning loud cheering, high fives, and waving towels. In addition, there is also a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at the venue and explicitly states that spectators are not allowed to bring their own.

"Having a safe and secure match is what the organizing committee wants the most. And we are responsible for making it happen", said Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee Chairman Seiko Hashimoto, as quoted by Kyodo News, Wednesday, June 23.

"If Japanese people have concerns (about the sale of alcohol), we should pay attention to it", Hashimoto continued, explaining that Asahi Breweries, an alcoholic beverage manufacturer that is one of the main sponsors of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has accepted this decision.

Previously, the Organizer had considered allowing the sale of alcohol in venues by imposing some restrictions on clear considerations. However, the plan has drawn criticism from the public, medical experts, as well as ruling and opposition lawmakers.

Separately, Japanese Government spokesman Katsunobu Kato backed the decision at his regular press conference, saying it was very important for the organizing committee to take public opinion into account.

Other safety guidelines issued in conjunction with the alcohol ban include stipulating that people with a body temperature of 37.5°C or higher, or those who are aware of showing symptoms such as fever, will not be allowed in.

Then, considering Japan's hot summer temperatures, spectators are allowed to take off their face masks outdoors, if they can ensure a physical distance of two meters or more from others.

Spectators are also asked to keep ticket stubs or ticket data for at least two weeks after entering a venue. If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, the guidelines governing the arrival date of the infected person and their seat number will be listed on the official Tokyo Olympics website and posted on social media.