Because They Keep Causing Trouble... This Place Bans US Military from Late-Night Drinking and Bars

USFK Headquarters Implements Special Measures from 1st
Ban on Drinking and Bar Entry in Public Places from 1 AM to 5 AM

As incidents of sexual crimes and alcohol-related accidents involving US military personnel on leave have become frequent, the US Forces Japan has taken drastic measures.

Stock photo of U.S. military unrelated to the article content

On the 6th, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that "the US Forces Japan Command has issued an order prohibiting US military personnel under its jurisdiction from entering restaurants or drinking alcohol between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m." This ban applies to drinking in public places outside military facilities during these hours on both weekdays and holidays, and also prohibits entry to establishments serving alcohol such as bars and clubs. Drinking is allowed in residences or accommodations outside the base. Additionally, commanders of each unit are not permitted to authorize leave for soldiers who have not received sexual violence prevention training. This order will be enforced for the time being unless otherwise notified. For military personnel under the age of 19, leave during these hours is also prohibited.

The Yomiuri explained that "this measure by the US military is part of the prevention and recurrence countermeasures requested by the Japanese government following a series of sexual violence incidents involving US military personnel in Okinawa Prefecture." A business owner operating a bar near the base told the Yomiuri, "The drinking ban order has caused a sharp decline in customers and a significant drop in sales."

In Japan, incidents and accidents involving US military personnel have long been a social issue. In June, a US Marine in his 20s stationed at a base in Okinawa was indicted on charges of injuring an adult woman while attempting to sexually assault her. It was also revealed belatedly that an Air Force soldier under the US Forces Japan was indicted for taking a girl under 16 to his home and having sexual intercourse without consent late last year. In 1995, three US Marines were involved in the sexual assault of a teenage girl, but the US refused to hand over the suspects citing the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, which led to large-scale protests.