By Sindisiwe Tshona
Thirsty Festival browsers on the Village Green are finding the beer tent has had its guy ropes dismantled by provincial liquor laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol on school premises. An NAF spokesperson told Cue: “While regrettable, there are still many vendors selling non-alcoholic drinks and delicious food. Makhanda has a number of bars and restaurants where visitors will be able to enjoy a beverage of their choice.” Cue felt the temperature where the drinkers’ hay bales used to be.
Raymond Harris, Makhanda
“I am sad that there is no beer tent, it drew people in. People enjoyed sitting there, getting food, heading to the stores, and having refreshments. I think it’s problematic because schools are closed – it’s a holiday, so it shouldn’t affect them.”
Marjanne Reimens, Netherlands
“There would be a lot of people here if there was a beer tent. Although I do not drink beer, just wine. I believe the Festival needs a beer tent because if you are with friends, you might want a beer. In the Netherlands we have a lot of festivals, there’s a lot of beer tents – and food just like here.”
Jesse-Clint Stander, Makhanda
“I understand the rationale of not having the beer tent here. I think sometimes things can get messy when alcohol is involved when there’s also children. So, I like that it’s kind of separate and it’s not that far – Grahamstown is small, it’s literally just down the road. It’s not that deep. I think it will be more family friendly now, you are not going to see tipsy people walking around here.”
