Minors binge at Electric Peacock Festival
Organizers and Water’s Edge blame each other
Minors as young as 13 were seen drinking and smoking pot in the open at a recently concluded Music festival held at the Water’s Edge this past week much to the dismay of parents and onlookers.
The event which was supposedly open to those above the age of 18 (according to information provided on the ticket) had allowed teenagers as young as 13 and 14 to not only enter the venue but to partake in liquor and drugs notwithstanding any restrictions on the legality of the matter.
The event which was supposedly open to those above the age of 18 (according to information provided on the ticket) had allowed teenagers as young as 13 and 14 to not only enter the venue but to partake in liquor and drugs notwithstanding any restrictions on the legality of the matter.
The Electric Peacock Festival, a multi genre music festival now in its third year featured the award winning International rapper Tinie Tempah as well as DJ Muku and Aswajit to name a few. Teenagers between the ages of 13 to 16 were seen binge drinking and openly smoking pot while the organizers prepped for each of the entertainment acts. The event which started later than it had promised saw minors drunk even before the start of the concert.
The only forms of identification at the event were the tickets and bands. Spectators were allowed to enter through a gate which had officials checking tickets and clapping bands on the wrist for identification. However there had been no queries raised by the organizers over the age of those permitted to enter the event, neither had anyone been exempted from entering the premises based on their age.
Officials at Water’s Edge passed the buck on the issue citing that it was the organizers who were in-charge of selling and distributing the beverages and that they merely offered the venue.
“Most of the minors who were seen drinking had their liquor bought for by adults at the event,” said an official of the hotel who wished to remain anonymous.
“Most of the minors who were seen drinking had their liquor bought for by adults at the event,” said an official of the hotel who wished to remain anonymous.
However when The Nation contacted organizers of the event, they were quick to state that it was the hotel which ought to take responsibly with regards to the sale of liquor for the event.
A few parents who were also present along with their children at the event cited that they were aware of their children’s activities but did not wish to impose any restrictions on them.
A few parents who were also present along with their children at the event cited that they were aware of their children’s activities but did not wish to impose any restrictions on them.
Meanwhile, Police personnel who were present at the venue were deployed to provide security to the international artistes and performers. However, Police spokesperson SP Buddhika Siriwardena said minors caught consuming alcohol and smoking would be severely warned. ( Nation newspaper)
Category: Electric Peacock Festival, Hot news, Local, News colombo, Sri lanka news
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