Games alcohol ban follows outcry on spreader risks

Games organizers on Wednesday acted to ban alcohol at events of the Tokyo Olympics in the face of concerns that an earlier proposal that merely limited drinking could contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases.

The decision by Games officials comes 30 days out from the start of the global sporting event. The fears surrounding drinking by spectators had sharpened calls for the rescheduled 2020 Games to be scrapped.

In its latest guidelines for ticket holders, the organizing committee of the Olympics and Paralympics moved to ban not only the sale of alcoholic drinks at venues but stipulated that spectators could not bring drinks with them. The prohibition announced on Tuesday adds to other health-driven restrictions against loud cheering, the giving of high-fives and towel waving.