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FESTIVAL of the Sun organisers and local police, particularly licensing officers, formed a strong relationship over the past decade.
Sergeant John Lawrie, other local officers and event brainchild Simon Luke work together to ensure a safe and law-abiding ‘bring your own’ event, and will do so again this year.
Sgt Lawrie said that FOTSUN has never been licensed, and is unique in that they are reliant on the individual to consume alcohol responsibly.
“The overall message to patrons is - you are responsible for your own consumption of alcohol, look after your mates and behave,” he said.
“Glass isn’t allowed into the event and there is also a drink restriction policy in place in the entertainment area
“From 8pm to 10pm you can’t take anymore alcohol into FOTSUN.”
Sgt Lawrie said will be no restrictions on licensed premises in the area, as all licensees have demonstrated over the years that they are able to operate with these types of events on.
A heavy police presence will be noticeable, with a stern warning issued to anyone thinking of bringing prohibited substances to the event.
“We want people to come and enjoy a really good weekend, but to do is responsibly,” Mr Luke said.
“We encourage people to make the right choices in relation to drug uses.”
New measures are in place to ensure the safe consumption of alcohol and to stop potential drug use.
The overall message to patrons is - you are responsible for your own consumption of alcohol, look after your mates and behave.
- Sgt John Lawrie
The festival works closely with not only the Port Macquarie police and ambulance, but fire and lifeguard services.
They will spend over $100,000 on state and private emergency and security services, meaning it is the biggest event operation Port Macquarie sees annually.
The organisers have taken advantage of a user-pay system for ambulance and police, meaning they pay to cover the shifts for extra police officers and paramedics during the event.
“It is our way of having a proactive approach,” Mr Luke said.
“We have done this to ensure that we weren’t drawing on limited resources.
“The two main risks are being very strict on people trying to sneak into the festival, including fining people for trespassing.”
He said the on-site ambulances were in place for the first time to ensure they are taking the pressure off the local ambulance service.
“We have an extensive first aid team on site, which includes our own doctor and nursing staff,” he said.
“We will also have free breath testing services to make sure no one drives under the influence. We average about 1,000 breath tests each Sunday morning after FOTSUN.”