The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, a cherished annual event in Southland, has been granted its special licence for 2025 but will now be required to serve alcohol only in plastic cups or cans, after concerns raised by New Zealand Police.
Related: Bluff Oyster Festival Faces Glassware Opposition
The Invercargill District Licensing Committee issued its decision on 28 March following a hearing held on 19 March. The festival organisers, Bluff Oyster and Food Festival Charitable Trust Board, sought to continue serving beer in glass stubbies, citing strong guest preference from previous events.
However, Police objected, highlighting the potential dangers of glass at large public events. Sergeant McNaught emphasised that despite no prior incidents, the inherent risks associated with glass bottles are significant enough to justify the precaution.
Festival organisers argued their excellent cleaning procedures and additional security measures would sufficiently mitigate any risk. The Committee acknowledged the festival’s strong safety record but ultimately sided with the Police. Committee Chair Cr Darren Ludlow stated, "We do not consider the mitigations proposed can safely reduce the risks from glass to an acceptable level."
Consequently, the Committee imposed a condition requiring all alcohol to be served in plastic cups or cans. The festival, scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025, from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm at its usual Bluff location, will also increase security staff from previous years to enhance safety.
Festival attendees can expect a range of southern cuisine, non-alcoholic beverages, and low-alcohol options alongside the famed Bluff oysters. The Committee noted the decision aligns with the objectives of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to minimise harm associated with alcohol consumption.
Organisers have accepted the ruling and preparations continue for what promises to be another successful celebration of Southland's seafood heritage.
Kylie Fowler from the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival Charitable Trust Board said, "It is better to have fought and lost than to have never fought at all. We knew it was unlikely that we would win as a bureaucracy will never let the little guy win."
Editor's Note: You have to wonder why Police opposed glass when approximately 3,000 people at Christmas at the Races are allowed glassware.