City officials rejected a sound system license. The event is planned for Castle Park on April 20, a cannabis celebration.
Last year, thousands went to Castle Park’s event. Seven sound systems played music all day and night. This year, someone asked for a permit to legally allow a sound system.
The large speakers were for music from noon to 9 PM. The spot was on the Old Market side of the park. Councillors heard police concerns on February 27th. The application stated that only 250 people would attend.
Police stated the event grows yearly. Last year, they estimated 4,000 people attended. Seven unlicensed DJs played music then, and police dealt with it past midnight.
The permit seeks to license sound for 4/20, and the applicant expects only 250 attendees. Police questioned how to manage the crowd size and cited a lack of details on crowd control.
Last year’s seven systems kept people in the area, preventing them from leaving easily. Police stated the crowd size creates potential issues and that they could not support the permit request.
The officer suggested a fence could control numbers better. The applicant was absent from the hearing. The permit denial likely will not stop the 4/20 event.
Past 4/20 events had few police problems. The gatherings are often relaxed and peaceful. Cannabis possession remains illegal in the UK, but smoking is tolerated in parts of Bristol.
A councillor chaired the licensing hearing and stated that they refused the request. The reason given was the risk of public disturbance, due to the low attendance number stated.