Rhythm & Alps has reduced bar operating hours and put various other safety and harm reduction measures in place for this year's festival. Photo / George Heard
Rhythm & Alps has reduced bar operating hours and put various other safety and harm reduction measures in place for this year's festival. Photo / George Heard
Rhythm & Alps has had its special liquor licence approved for later this month, despite opposition from police and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand.
The approval for the Cardrona Valley-based festival from December 29-31 comes subject to a few conditions, including the sale and supply of alcohol being restricted to four serves per person per transaction.
Company director Alex Turnbull gave evidence to the licensing committee, and responded to the concerns of police, saying bar operating hours had been reduced by two hours and various other safety and harm reduction measures had been put in place, including having 90 security staff.
In a statement this afternoon, Rhythm & Alps said it wanted to acknowledge the “diligent efforts of the police and licensing authorities, recognising the pressure they face in addressing alcohol harm reduction”.
“Understanding the significance of this issue, Rhythm & Alps has remained steadfast in its commitment to implementing comprehensive safety systems over the past 13 years of the festival’s existence, with a dedicated focus on responsible drinking.”
Rhythm & Alps, near Cardrona, takes place this year from December 29-31. Photo / George Heard
The licensing inspector said Turnbull had been largely responsive to feedback from the agencies and had taken measures when deemed necessary to improve processes.
After feedback from the medical health officer, Turnbull decided to remove Zeffer Hazy Lemonade from festival bars due to its alcohol content of 5 per cent, which would have resulted in 6.4 standard drinks being supplied in four servings.
Speaking to the Herald, Turnbull said he felt common sense had prevailed.
“The statistics are there and show that we’ve always supported a safe festival.”
The festival last had its special liquor licence opposed 10 years ago, though again it was approved after a hearing, he said.
“The police are under quite a bit of pressure to reduce harm across New Zealand, but it’s a society issue, not an event issue ... If you want to reduce alcohol harm, there needs to be other measures than going and bashing down festivals that are doing a pretty good reasonable job on it. We can keep our kids safe here on site.”
In response to concerns raised by police and Health NZ, Turnbull told the hearing of several safety and harm-reduction measures.
These included reducing bar operating hours and capping the number of serves per person.
He said festival organisers had evidence that the SCAB intoxication assessment and wristband system had been successful in the past, referring to the lack of arrests. He believed a blanket serving reduction would cause frustration and unnecessary friction and said it was uncommon for one person to buy four servings for themselves.
Other measures included about 90 security staff provided by Red Badge Security, with a minimum of three with managers’ certificates stationed at each bar; an “Angel” tent and “Chill Out” tent positioned immediately outside the licensed area, manned by volunteers including medical and mental health professionals; an agreement with St John to provide medical services, along with a designated medical tent on site; traffic management provided by Southern Safety; water supplied in accordance with the Water Services Act 2021 with five outlets spread across the festival grounds; and 16 vendors providing a range of food and drinks.
Rhythm & Alps had its liquor licence application brought before the district licensing committee last week after opposition from police and Health NZ.
Rhythm & Alps in the Cardrona Valley. Photo / George Heard
The decision was due to be published last Friday but was delayed until this afternoon.
At a hearing in Queenstown last Wednesday, Acting Senior Sergeant Ian Paulin, the police national co-ordinator of alcohol harm prevention, said a mix of intoxication, illicit drug use and sexual offending at the festival caused an “underbelly” of harm that went largely unreported.
The view overlooking Rhythm & Alps in the Cardrona Valley. Photo / Daniel Chew
Health NZ health promotion adviser Alannah Smyth, appearing for the medical officer of health, said it opposed the application because Turnbull had been unwilling to reduce the alcohol servings limit or the licensing hours.
Now in its 13th year, the annual New Year’s Eve music and camping festival expects about 10,000 partygoers and more than 6000 campers.
Turnbull said organisers had hoisted New Zealand’s largest flag in the run-up to the event, as well as organising a 40-piece orchestra and fireworks display for New Year’s Eve.
“It’s going to be one to remember.”
In its statement, Rhythm & Alps said some individuals may overindulge in alcohol and it has “implemented a range of safety measures and care facilities, including provisions for those who may become overly intoxicated or encounter mental health or sexual harm issues”.
“We collaborate closely with St John and the police to ensure a comprehensive approach to safety. The festival is equipped with a dedicated team of security and well-being volunteers, and we prioritise the well-being of attendees by providing essential amenities such as food, free water, shaded areas, and designated well-being spaces. As well as strict adherence to licensing conditions.
“Our primary goal has always been to create a secure and well-managed environment with our experience and understanding of our festival landscape and our commitment to delivering a high standard of care for the well-being of young people. We are confident in delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all festival attendees at the upcoming 2023 edition of Rhythm & Alps.”
