The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics have been forced to abandon plans to allow the sale of alcohol at venues after public outcry.

The president of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto, said that the decision had been made to ensure the Games were “safe and secure” during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, media reports said organizers were poised to allow Japanese sports fans to drink alcohol inside venues following pressure from Asahi Breweries, an Olympic sponsor. Hashimoto said Asahi had accepted the ban.

Earlier, she had said the sale of alcoholic drinks was “being considered”, but acknowledged there were concerns that alcohol consumption could make spectators more likely to shout and ignore social distancing rules.

Tokyo Olympics will start on July 23 and last until August 8.