Rhythm and Vines Organizers Defend $5 Fee for Pre-Driving Breath Tests
Rhythm and Vines, the iconic Gisborne festival that drew over 26,000 attendees, recently faced backlash over their decision to charge a $5 fee for optional pre-driving breath testing services. The festival, which wrapped up on New Year’s Eve after three days of music and celebration, took to Facebook to share information about this new initiative.
In a post, the festival encouraged attendees to make responsible choices by utilizing the breath-testing service available at the General Store in Grand Central. They also issued a warning about police conducting random breath tests outside the event premises, urging festival-goers to think before driving. This move was met with mixed reactions from the online community.
While some individuals expressed frustration over the additional cost, arguing that breath testing should be free of charge, others commended the festival for promoting safe driving practices. Despite the criticism, Rhythm and Vines stood firm on their decision, emphasizing the importance of offering options for those who wish to avail of the service.
The $5 fee for pre-driving breath tests sparked a debate among festival attendees, with differing opinions on whether it was a reasonable charge or an unnecessary expense. As discussions unfolded on social media, the festival reiterated their commitment to encouraging sensible decisions and highlighted that this was the first time such a service was being provided.
Support and Controversy
Some supporters of Rhythm and Vines applauded the festival for taking proactive steps to enhance safety measures, viewing the $5 fee as a small price to pay for peace of mind. On the other hand, critics questioned the motives behind introducing a charge for a service they believed should be free to all patrons.
Future Considerations
In response to the feedback received, the festival expressed hope that the initiative would prove successful and hinted at the possibility of incorporating it into future editions. With ticket prices ranging from $200 for a single-day pass to $400 for a three-day pass, the festival continues to prioritize the well-being of its attendees.
Final Thoughts
As Rhythm and Vines navigates the complexities of balancing safety protocols with financial considerations, the debate surrounding the $5 fee for pre-driving breath tests underscores the importance of promoting responsible behavior in event settings. Whether this move sets a precedent for other festivals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the conversation on driving safety within the festival community is far from over.