Australia restricts teams' drinking during Olympics

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Tuesday announced new restrictions on the consumption of alcohol for members of future Australian teams, including athletes and officials.

The new rules, which have been confirmed by the AOC, apply to all team members selected for future Olympics and Youth Olympics during the Games' period, reports Xinhua.

Under the new rules, team members are not permitted in the Olympic Village or other designated team locations if they are drunk and behaving in inappropriate ways.

The AOC says the conduct, which may be inappropriate or disruptive to others, includes: being disorderly, aggressive, using offensive language, swaying, talking in a loud or boisterous manner, annoying fellow team members and others, or any conduct deemed by the Chef de Mission to be "inconsistent with the standards expected" of an Australian Olympic team member.

Team members are also not allowed to possess, serve or drink alcohol in the Olympic Village or other designated locations. The consumption of alcohol on the team charter flight returning to Australia after the Games is also not permitted.

AOC president John Coates said failure to obey the new rules will be regarded as a breach of the Team Membership Agreement.

"These restrictions have been implemented to ensure that Australia's Olympic athletes are given the opportunity to compete to the best of their ability and with distinction," Coates said.