A spokeswoman for Rhythm and Vines said this year there was a huge on-site security and police presence, and alcohol consumption would be closely monitored -- and would not be sold to intoxicated people.
The campgrounds are under Rhythm and Vines management, with organisers banning BYO alcohol at the Treble, Lakeside and Beachfront sites, opting to set up camp bars -- selling RTD drinks, including Smirnoff Ice, Canadian Club and Jim Beam mixes for just $3 -- in their place.
Police say major concerns this year related to two private campsites set up near the festival on Waiohika Estate, which were BYO -- as opposed to the festival-controlled sites where people could not bring alcohol.
Mr Aberahama said police opposed BYO conditions at festivals like Rhythm and Vines and they had already come across "several drunk people" at the independently run campsites.
"There is an onus on the people managing these places to make sure levels of drunkenness are kept to a minimum and everyone is safe. People also need to take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing and know when to stop drinking," Mr Aberahama said.
Yesterday was day two of the festival and so far no arrests had been made, but two people were caught drink-driving at a checkpoint set up near the festival at 8am yesterday.
About 10 people had lost their cellphones -- with thieves taking them out of bags being worn in the festival mosh pit.
Police suggested the use of bum bags and pockets to combat the problem.
"If possible, don't take anything of value with you to the festival at all, but with things like cellphones and money cards, try to put them in pockets or bum bags that can't be accessed easily," Mr Aberahama said.
Police have also warned people not to walk back to Gisborne after the festival in the dark, as it is dangerous.
Festival-goers are urged to take buses provided that go to Gisborne at the end of the night.
-NZ Herald
