US Navy eases alcohol ban for sailors in Japan

Tokyo: The US Navy said Friday it has loosened an alcohol ban on personnel in Japan 11 days after it was imposed following a drink-driving case on the southern island of Okinawa.

The US Navy introduced the alcohol ban and restrictions on leaving base for sailors in Japan on June 6 after one was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated and injuring two people.

The United States has been under intense pressure to rein in crime by its military and related personnel after a series of other incidents on Okinawa, including the suspected rape and murder of a 20-year-old local woman.

In a statement Friday, the navy said that all sailors in Japan -- including on Okinawa -- can now drink on base and in their off-base homes but those in Okinawa will remain under a stricter curfew, meaning they must return to base by midnight instead of 1 am for others.

Sailors, however, are not permitted to drink at off-base bars or restaurants.

"We are taking this latest step because our sailors have demonstrated that they understand the strategic impact of their performance on liberty," Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, commander of the US 7th Fleet, said in the statement.

On a visit to Japan last month, US President Barack Obama vowed improvements after a civilian base employee was arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder.

Such incidents have long sparked protests on the strategic southern island crowded with US bases and have been an irritant in relations between Tokyo and Washington.

US officials have grown increasingly concerned that the behaviour of its troops could jeopardise support among Japanese for their security relationship.

Rear Admiral Matthew Carter, who commands the US Navy in Japan, stressed that out-of-control drinking threatened to harm ties.

"We must all be on the lookout to step in before alcohol-related incidents jeopardise our relationship with Japan,” he said.

The decision to loosen the drinking regulations came a week after the navy said that sailors free to leave base, however they must submit details about their planned activities.

Okinawans are planning a major rally Sunday in protest over the heavy US military presence and crimes by US personnel.

The island was the site of a major World War II battle followed by a 27-year US occupation and pacifist sentiments run high.