Last-ditch bid to get the beers in
Hamilton’s mayor is making a final attempt to save the city’s annual Great Kiwi Beer Festival.
It comes after the organiser said it was cancelling the event due to new and “untenable” conditions laid down by the police and the Waikato DHB.
Hamilton City Council says it has been blindsided by the decision but Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate says she was keen to keep the event in the city.
“I’ve had positive discussions with police and hope to get all parties back around the table,” she posted.
More than 6000 people, up 20 per cent on last year, attended the event in March despite the impact of Covid19. A string of Kiwi artists, including The Black Seeds and Hollie Smith, also played in perfect Waikato conditions.
Southgate’s deputy, Geoff Taylor, has also expressed his frustration on social media about the decision.
“I wish the police and DHB had discussed the matter with us first. It’s come as a total surprise. I’m gutted by this — a day after we celebrated Claudelands Event Centre’s 10th birthday and a new naming sponsor.”
The organisers said they had already made “a number” of concessions for the event next year, despite there being no arrests or treatment by St John for alcohol harm since it has been held in the city the past two years.
Festival organiser Callam Mitchell said they had withdrawn their application for next year’s festival as they felt local authorities didn’t want it held in Hamilton.
The organisers attended a hearing in January and made a number of concessions to appease concerns about getting their licence, including reducing the operating time, removing the VIP area and increasing the number of duty managers to 70.
But that wasn’t enough for Hamilton’s liquor licensing team, he said.
Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said although police wanted the city and community to be able to enjoy events like these, police also need to ensure safety and address social harm caused by intoxication.
“It is disappointing the promoter has elected to withdraw the application rather than work with police on this occasion.
“Police are never out to ruin anyone’s fun but we are concerned about any event which has the potential for harm caused by excessive or inappropriate use of alcohol.”