Festival-goers will be able to purchase four alcoholic drinks at one time at the upcoming Rhythm & Alps music festival.

The District Licensing Committee has approved the festival organiser’s application to sell alcohol at the three-day festival taking place from December 29-31 in the Cardrona Valley, with some restrictions.

Citing a lack of evidence, the committee did not sign off on requests by NZ Police and the Medical Officer of Health to reduce the number of drinks a patron could buy at one time from four to two.

NZ Police representatives at last week’s hearing had claimed there was an “underbelly” of harm at previous Rhythm & Alps festivals, despite very few arrests.

Alannah Smyth, representing the Medical Officer of Health, said reducing the number of drinks purchased at one time to two would encourage a more responsible drinking environment.

Festival-goers will be able to buy four drinks at a time but bar hours have been reduced.

District Licensing Committee chair and Wānaka councillor Lyal Cocks said while the committee acknowledged the submissions, “much of this information is conjecture rather than evidence from actual events…”

“...we support actions to minimise harm but there was no evidence provided to confirm a two serve limit will achieve a reduction in harm.”

The applicant, Rhythm & Alps director Alex Turnbull, had volunteered to reduce bar hours for December 30 and 31, which was another request from both NZ Police and Medical Officer of Health. 

The applicant has a “proven track record” over the 12 previous Rhythm & Alps festivals, “laudable” management and a “comprehensive” drug and alcohol harm reduction plans, the committee said.

“..controls to modify use of alcohol and minimise harm need to be balanced with the pleasure many people derive from the consumption of alcohol. In addition to proven systems, patrons should also be given the opportunity and encouragement to take responsibility for their actions to minimise harm.”

PHOTOS: Supplied