As of my last update in January 2022, there haven’t been widespread reports of “Sweet Caroline” being banned. However, individual establishments or events may choose not to play the song for various reasons, such as personal preferences, concerns about its appropriateness for certain audiences, or specific circumstances related to the song’s lyrics or history.
It’s worth noting that “Sweet Caroline,” a song by Neil Diamond, has faced occasional scrutiny or controversy over its lyrics, particularly the line “Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you.” Some interpretations of these lyrics in the context of the #MeToo movement and changing societal norms have led to discussions about the appropriateness of playing the song in specific settings.
However, whether or not a song like “Sweet Caroline” is banned from specific venues or events would depend on the decision of the organizers or proprietors involved rather than any widespread or official prohibition.