Munich increases security for Oktoberfest after terror attacks

MUNICH — Heavy rain and stricter security did little to dampen the spirits of beer lovers at the start of this year’s Oktoberfest, which opened Saturday in the Bavarian city of Munich.

Mayor Dieter Reiter tapped the first keg at noon with a respectable two strikes, to the approval of thousands of thirsty visitors gathered in one of 14 vast tents on Munich’s Theresienwiese fairground.

Responding to a series of attacks in recent months, authorities decided to erect a metal fence, ban large bags, install more surveillance cameras and make visitors go through security checks to enter the festival grounds this year.

In the bloodiest incident, a German teenager fatally shot nine people at a Munich mall before killing himself. Two other attacks were carried out by asylum-seekers and claimed by the Islamic State group.

“Personally, nothing that has happened has changed my opinion about coming to the Oktoberfest,” said Nico Baunbach, a 34-year-old exhibition manager from Munich who was dressed in traditional Lederhosen, felt jacket, checkered shirt and Bavarian Haferl shoes tied to the side.

Munich police plan to have some 600 officers on hand, about 100 more than last year, during peak times. Another 450 security guards will also check bags and keep an eye on the sometimes inebriated visitors.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS