Thirsty festival-goers will now imbibe non-alcoholic beverages freely after Pori Jazz organizers reversed their earlier decision to ban ticket-holders from taking liquids into the festival area. That ban had been so strict that even baby milk would be unacceptable to stewards, with organizers blaming new licensing restrictions that came into force this year.
Organisers have now changed their minds, however, after discussions with the authorities. Picnic hampers can now contain beverages, so long as they are not alcoholic. No liquids, however, will be allowed into the licensed bar areas on-site.
“The authorities’ clarified guidelines are a relief to us,” said Pori Jazz Managing Director Juha Miikkulainen. “We have tried to comply with the official guidelines, but we are between a rock and a hard place.”
Finland’s alcohol laws have come under scrutiny this summer after organizers of Järvenpää’s Puistoblues festival claimed ticket sales had been hit by the new licensing laws, which prevented people from enjoying boozy picnics in the festival area.