Olympics-Alcohol plans draw criticism from parched Tokyo residents (updated)
22/06/2021 04:10
(Adds details on sponsors)
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 https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/organisers-set-decide-domestic-spectators-tokyo-2020-2021-06-21
on Monday of up to 10,000 domestic spectators at venues at next
month's delayed Games.
Organisers are still considering whether alcohol will be
served in venues, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said late
on Monday.
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 target of
government action as they are seen as driving infection by
encouraging loud speaking and lingering at the bar.
Approval of Olympic alcohol sales could offer a ray of hope
for sponsor Asahi Group Holdings 2502.T , which has exclusive
rights to offer its best-selling "Super Dry" lager to thirsty
sport fans.
Olympic sponsors, which put up a record $3 billion to back
the Tokyo Games, have scaled back marketing plans due to fears
of backlash amid widespread public opposition. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL2N2NK0CY
Questions around alcohol have become a focal point for
public anger in part due to a perception that authorities are
prioritising holding the Games over restoring normality to the
daily lives of residents.
The government has said it can hold the event without
compromising public health. An athlete among the Uganda team
which arrived in Japan on the weekend tested positive for the
coronavirus, NHK reported on Sunday. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL2N2O203D
Coronavirus cases in Tokyo peaked in April, prompting the
recent relaxation of restrictions, with 236 cases reported on
Monday.
While vaccinations are ramping up, most of the population is
yet to receive their first shot 31 days from the start of the
Games.
(Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
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