Ahead of EDM fest, cops lay down ‘no smoking’ condition

Panaji: Goa police have directed the organiser of electronic dance music (EDM) festival Timeout 72 to put security measures in place at the venue in Vagator, Anjuna, to avoid any security breech. If the three-day music festival gets government permission, the police has decided that it will not allow smoking during the festival from December 28-30 to curb the use of drugs.

Deputy inspector general of police Vimal Gupta met with local representatives of Timeout 72 to brief them about security measures so that "they don't feign unawareness of rules at the last minute before the festival". The meeting was attended by officials of the district police, anti-terrorist squad (ATS), traffic cell and special branch.

Gupta added that as the application is in process, it was the duty of the police to brief them about what they need to do before they get permission.

Gupta told TOI that to stop the use of drug at the festival they have decided not to allow smoking at the venue and sniffer dogs will be present as well. "We have also asked them to put access control in place, CCTV cameras, fire arrangements, fire safety certificate, first aid and proper parking space," he added.

Organisers have also been directed to put up proper signage and finalise routes so as to help the police declare some roads as one-way. "We have asked them to provide emergency exits, turnstile gates to check the number of visitors, watch towers, etc." Gupta said.

Police have instructed organisers to also install CCTV cameras near the bars at the venue to avoid liquor being served to minors, in addition to 'No Smoking' boards. "We have asked them to pay the police force to provide security personnel at the venue during the festival," he said. There will be more such meetings to review security arrangements before police clearance is given.