Olympic alcohol plans draw criticism from parched Tokyo residents
22/06/2021 03:12
TOKYO, June 22 (Reuters) - Olympic organisers will allow the
sale of alcohol to Tokyo 2020 spectators, Kyodo News reported on
Tuesday, drawing criticism as residents of the capital grapple
with curbs on bars to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Alcohol will be served at Olympic venues at limited times,
Kyodo reported, citing anonymous sources, a decision that
follows the approval on Monday of up to 10,000 domestic
spectators at venues at next month's delayed Games. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL2N2O305H
The government last week downgraded the capital to a
"quasi-emergency" state, which allows for drinking in small
groups for short periods of time but offers limited succour to
Tokyo's beleaguered bars, restaurants and night spots.
"The biggest problem is preferential treatment: events are
good but cinemas are bad. The Olympics are okay but live venues
are no good," wrote @save_the_cinema on Twitter, a campaign for
emergency funding for arthouse cinemas.
Social gatherings with drinking have been a focus for
government guidelines, as they are seen as driving infection by
encouraging loud speaking and lingering at the bar.
(Reporting by Sam Nussey)
((sam.nussey@tr.com; https://twitter.com/SamNusseyRTRS;
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