Moves to increase safety at Hyde St keg party

The Hyde Street Keg Party last year. Photo by Craig Baxter
The Hyde Street Keg Party last year. Photo by Craig Baxter
The Otago University Students' Association has settled on a range of measures to make this year's Hyde St keg party safer, including a ''one-way'' policy from as early as 2pm.

An estimated 5000 people attended last year's party, which was marred by 15 arrests, the collapse of a roof overloaded with partygoers and 80 people requiring treatment by St John.

The OUSA has been looking at ways to make this year's April 13 party safer. OUSA president Francisco Hernandez said apart from limiting numbers, it had settled on a range of measures, including a ''one-way door'' policy, with non-resident party-goers who leave the street barred from returning. It was also looking at making it a 10am to 5pm party, he said.

In order to limit numbers, each Hyde St resident would only be able to invite 15 guests. Students without invitations would be able to pay a $5 entry fee, but the total number allowed would be limited to between 3000 and 3500. Residents would also be asked to pay $2, with the money going towards running the event, including hiring security guards.

All party-goers would be issued with a wristband, with street residents identifiable by a different colour.

The wristbands would be numbered so people could be identified if they needed first-aid assistance, or if they stepped out of line. OUSA planned to continue meetings with those affected, which included landlords and tenants, in the weeks ahead of the party.

- vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

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