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Comment by wolpoli | Hacker News Reader

> an exemption isn't really possible in the Olympics case (because there are so many events) without a change in the law

What confuses me is why the organizers couldn't seek a change in the law. The Olympics is a big enough deal that they could seek an exemption. When we hosted the Olympics, I remember they had special laws written specifically for the games.

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They are perfectly aware that their excuse is flimsy and doesn’t hold scrutiny but they don’t care. Like they didn’t care that Parisians didn’t want the game and it’s just an ego trip from the worst mayor the city has ever had. They didn’t care that they won’t be ready in time despite having made the city a living hell for the past three years. And they didn’t care that the tickets were completely unaffordable for the average French.

These games will probably be the worst ever. No one wants them in France. I can already foresee mass strikes and protests and to be honest it makes me very happy. The Olympic Games are now a purely commercial endeavour which would make their founders ashamed of what they created.

What would be a good and healthy motivator to seek a chance in the law? Is there anything intrinsically good or healthy about serving alcohol in mass events?

Not much "healthy" but valid reason: it would have at least one big sponsor from alcohol industry. They even tried in Qatar Worldcup.

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