Here we go again...

[Geoff Griggs]

I've just heard from a reporter at The Marlborough Express that it's very likely that Blenheim's Blues and Brews will be forced to use polycarbonate drinking vessels this year. I am not aware of any such equivalent demand being made on the Wine Marlborough event. (This is incorrect: see below).

Having previously run an online petition on the very same issue (and won), as you might imagine I have very strong feelings on the subject. I, for one, will not be attending the event if beer is being served in polycarbonate vessels.

Your thoughts? (Let's keep it clean and constructive folks!)

[Geoff Griggs]

Here's my latest column on the subject...

"... the Round Table – a group which has no affiliation to the brewing industry – has now set a precedent which will make it almost impossible from now on for anyone to operate a beer-related event at a public venue in Marlborough with proper glassware."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/lifestyle/beer/3229768/G...

[Ian]

You've said it all most succinctly. It's a sad case of over-zealous beuracracy and has ramifications way beyond this festival. Good on you for speaking out Geoff.

[Tony]

And this I just gleaned off the net..http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE60K1YF20100121?type=marketsNews

[Geoff Griggs]

This comes as nothing of a surprise...

"A defiant council committee has fended off police objections and backed the use of glass at the Marlborough Wine Festival."

"Blues, Brews and BBQs' organisers caved into police pressure and confirmed the switch to a polycarbonate alternative, but wine festival organisers stood fast and took the issue to hearing."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/3262250/Festival-wi...

[Stu McKinlay]

I'm guessing the Wine Festival is run by commited 'wine lovers' (for want of a better term) while the Blues, Brews and BBQs is run by something (anything) other than committed 'beer lovers'.

[Geoff Griggs]

Absolutely!

The wine festival is run by Wine Marlborough, an umbrella organisation representing the local wine industry. By contrast, Blues and Brews is a charitable event run by volunteers from The Round Table (which has no relationship with the brewing industry).

[Tony]

sorry if I scammed your thread, Geoff. It seemed the most appropriate place, without starting another thread?

[Geoff Griggs]

Talk about closing the barn door after the horse has bolted!!!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/3266385/Event-organ...

[Stu McKinlay]

tickets down 15% and they've purchased two lots of glasses... oh dear.

[666 Brewing]

"Mr Boon said ticket sales for this year's event were going poorly with numbers down about 15 per cent on average.

However, he didn't blame the downturn on the change to polycarbonate vessels: "People just haven't got enough money," he said. "

Mr Boon - you just dont have an event that people want to go to! Times change, this event never has.

[Geoff Griggs]

Some hope for next year, perhaps?...

"In light of the decision to allow the wine festival use of glasses, Mr Boon said he would be dusting off $30,000 worth of imported French glasses that were sitting idle in a warehouse imprinted with the festival logo."

"We have 8000 handles already purchased and will be coming back next year to fight this illogical and inconsistent ban. Why should we be singled out from other festivals? Why is the council operating double standards?"

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/6735412/beer-drinkers-lose...

[Reviled]

Haha, funny, what a tool Mr Boon looks like now, not enough balls to stand up for yourself eh? But when someone else does it you have a whinge and a moan??? Come on now mate...