NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Thursday, June 16, 2005

HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT REGARDING THIS WEEKEND'S DAVE MATTHEWS CONCERT.

(Hartford) - Hartford Police announced today that public drinking and tailgating in parking lots in and around the Meadows Music Theater will be prohibited at this weekend's Dave Matthews concerts.   This action is being taken as a result of several planning meetings with city agencies, Meadows management  and parking lot operators, and in accordance with City of Hartford Ordinance 4-3, that  prohibits open alcoholic containers and consumption of alcoholic beverages on city streets and adjacent parking lots.  Liquor control violations will also be strictly enforced.

Hartford Police are asking for media and community support in getting the message out to the public that in addition to enforcing public drinking ordinances, any illegal drug activity, and/or disorderly conduct will not be tolerated at this event, in the concert venue or in surrounding private parking lots. 

The City of Hartford and Hartford Police Department welcomes ticket holding concert goers to our city.  Those individuals deserve the benefit of attending a peaceful and orderly event    However, those without tickets seeking to participate in illegal activity in adjacent parking lots should be on notice that this behavior will not be tolerated and state and local liquor laws will be strictly enforced.  Police intend to turn away vehicles and pedestrians with large amounts of alcohol or give them the option of surrendering it to the police.

Meadows Music Theater parking lots are be restricted ticket holders only.  Concert goers should be prepared to show their tickets in order to gain access to these lots. 

Chief Patrick J. Harnett said, "We want ticket holding concert goers to enjoy the concert in a safe and peaceful environment.  We will  have a uniform presence assisting the flow of traffic, controlling access to all parking lots and preventing disorderly conduct, underage drinking, drinking contests and illegal drug activity at all parking areas surrounding the Meadows Music Theater.  Our objective is for concert goers to have an enjoyable evening, performers to enjoy their experience in Hartford, and all to return home safely."

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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