Glastonbury at risk of reduced capacity in an attempt to combat illegal drug use

Glastonbury may be forced to reduce its capacity in an attempt to crack down on illegal use at the festival. 

Glastonbury’s current license allows the event to make drug seizures, accept surrenders and test any substances found onsite using a private company – with the figures remaining private from authorities. 

Local councillors and police are now looking to review Glasto’s current license, asking for the stats to be released and for a change in the festival’s current drug testing policy, as reported by the BBC.

If a license review is approved, both Glastonbury’s current drug policy and capacity could be subject to change, requiring them to adhere to a new “management plan”. This could also include an increased police presence and the release of information on the festival’s drug seizures.

Pete Collins, a drug expert at Avon and Somerset Constabulary, told the licensing board at Mendip District Council: “The festival uses the services of a licensed private company to carry out what they call back-of-house testing there.”

He went on to add: “Believe it or not, but the seizure of drugs is not something that’s disclosed to us — the data is owned by the Glastonbury Festival,”

Cllr Simon Carswell, also part of the same meeting, added that having more security on the festival site, or lowering the capacity by selling fewer tickets, could alleviate the issue – allowing larger drug seizures.

Another counsellor added that front-of-house drug testing and harm reduction areas could also ensure the safety of festivalgoers. 

Though nothing has been officially agreed upon, the board will discuss further options at its next meeting in February.