Tokyo Olympic Venues to Ban Drinking and Loud Cheering

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] The Tokyo Olympics, set to open on the 23rd of next month amid the COVID-19 situation, will be held with spectators, but the organizing committee has banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages inside the venues.

Seiko Hashimoto, chairperson of the organizing committee, held a press conference on the 23rd to announce the COVID-19 prevention guidelines for spectators.

The organizing committee initially planned to allow limited sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages inside the venues out of consideration for sponsor companies such as Asahi Beer, but due to strong public criticism, the guidelines now include a provision that no alcoholic beverages will be sold inside the venues.

It was decided to completely prohibit bringing in or drinking alcoholic beverages inside the venues.

Alcohol will also not be served to ticket holders who purchased tickets that include lounge and food services.

The guidelines state that if a person’s temperature is 37.5℃ or higher during two temperature checks upon entering the venue, entry will be denied.

Additionally, spectators are asked to refrain from gathering and eating together inside the venues and to comply with the 'direct travel' rule, going only between their homes and the venues.

It is also specified that ticket and related data information for spectators will be kept for at least 14 days to assist in identifying close contacts in case of a COVID-19 infection.

The guidelines include compliance measures such as wearing masks at all times during the event and refraining from cheering loudly.

The organizing committee will refuse entry or order removal for spectators who do not follow the guidelines.