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

The president of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto, told on Wednesday 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 informed Asahi had accepted the ban.

The selling of alcohol has been restricted in and around Tokyo after health officials warned drinking would encourage close contact, loud speaking, and mingling in bars that could help spread the virus.

Japanese medical experts told last Friday that banning spectators was the least risky option but also included in their report recommendations on how to host the Games if spectators were admitted.

Organizers said on Monday up to 10,000 domestic spectators would be allowed into venues. Foreign visitors are banned.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has still not ruled out holding the Games without spectators if Tokyo is put back under a state of emergency, from which it only emerged on June 21. The Games’ opening ceremony is set for July 23.