Event promoters hail new regulations
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday September 26, 2017 18:00
A number of new regulations such as the introduction of promoter licence, metal detectors, sniffer dogs, ban of selling tickets at venue, ban of bottles and cooler boxes were mentioned as means to improve regulatory and security standards for events. After the meeting a number of positive responses and reviews were aired by music promoters and players.
“This is good progress and a good starting point for rebuilding, we will see the developments as we go forward. I hope it will also improve the relations between promoters and the government, especially with the introduction of licenses,” music consultant and events promoter, Seabelo Modibe said. He, however, stated that the ban of selling tickets at the venue would be a hard nut to crack, as most people are not accustomed to purchasing tickets online or at ticket stations because they prefer purchasing tickets at the venue on the day of the event.
“I think the new regulations will work although people will take some time to adapt to them. The developments are positive. I hope they will also boost people’s confidence because they will feel safe,” veteran events promoter, Massie Hule also said.
He was quick to state that the ban of alcohol into the venue is also a boost to event promoters as they will be able to sell alcohol inside the venue or also partner with alcohol distributors who had pulled out in a number of events because revellers preferred to bring their own alcoholic beverages at events.
Hule also touched on the issue of tickets stating that it is a long shot for Batswana, as 90% of revellers prefer buying tickets at the venue on the day of the event.
“It will take a long time for them to get used to it, maybe the regulations should have stated that tickets can be sold at a certain ticket point of sale within the venue,” Hule said.
Another promoter Gilbert Seagile believes that the introduction of promoters’ registration and licence will improve business for a number of promoters since they will be regulated.
He strongly believes that the ban of cooler boxes and alcohol into the venue will boost the promoters’ business, as they will be able to sell alcohol at events. He, however, said the regulations would bring good security at events and festivals.
“On that note, I pray that the regulations apply across board even to private venues. I also suggest that with the issue of parking lots we must go further to introduce a NO Loitering Law and vendors should not be allowed outside. No one should be allowed to sit or hang out in parking lots, (sic),” DJ Sid expressed his views in a Facebook post.