Police will enforce new guidelines that require minor festival attendees to be accompanied at all times by an adult who is 21 or older or risk stiff penalties.
The Splendour in the Grass organizers released a statement on Monday that included the regulations.
The North Byron Parklands will host the festival from July 22–24 in 2022.
The festival’s organizers stated in a message sent to attendees that NSW Police had decided to enforce the age restrictions on minors and had not made those decisions.
Those who disobey will be subject to hefty fines.
The article stated, “On Friday night, moshtix sent an email to all of our underage ticket holders notifying them of recent changes involving Splendour’s Liquor License.”
“While at the event and campgrounds, all guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.
We were only made aware of this late Thursday, and we are quite upset that the festival was forced to undergo such significant changes at such a late date.
We are aware of the effect it will have on many of our customers. Additionally, we don’t want you to receive a fine.
“As a result, we want you all to be aware that police will be on-site ensuring that youngsters under the age of 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult.”
Online users were quick to criticize the statement harshly, with one writing, “Good old NSW the Nanny State and NSW Cops the Fun Police… Any justification to attempt to end a party.
Another person commented, “You would think the police would give you guys a break after everything music events have been through over the previous few years.”
The NSW Police Force took a very regrettable action…
This industry already faces difficulties. Did you truly intend to harm these people and this area in this way?
Really?’ Someone else commented.
Visit the Splendour resale facility to buy tickets for accompanying responsible adults; all proceeds go to the original ticket holder.
‘NSW Police work closely with the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and festival organizers to ensure the safety and security of all participants at the event,’ a NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.