Japan PM apologizes for controversial request

Japan(Tokyo) The Japanese government has scrapped a controversial request to liquor wholesalers. It had asked them to stop doing business with pubs that defy anti-coronavirus measures banning the serving of alcohol.

The plan sparked a fierce backlash. Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has apologized.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Suga said, “The request has already been withdrawn. I would like to apologize for causing so much trouble to so many people.”

Asked whether he was briefed in advance about the details of the plan, the prime minister said he had not discussed the matter.

Suga added that it’s important to take steps such as making incentive payments to pubs and restaurants to encourage them to stop serving alcohol in the face of the pandemic.

The plan had sparked criticism not only from liquor dealers and opposition parties, but also from within the ruling coalition.

That comes as the minister in charge of the coronavirus response retracted another plan this week calling on financial institutions to ask businesses to comply with coronavirus restrictions.

Opposition parties say Cabinet members will face a grilling in the Diet on Wednesday. They say Suga’s administration has been squeezing businesses already hit hard by the pandemic.

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