Oktoberfest bans bottles

Culture Posted on 21/09/2012

Organisers of Munich's famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, have this year decided to ban bottles in an attempt to cut down on the number of glass-related casualties that the festival experiences every year.

Red Cross teams are said to be inundated with injuries throughout the two-week celebration, resulting from accidents involving glass bottles.

Visitors will be frisked if they are suspected of having glass bottles hidden in bags or clothing, but cans and plastic bottle are still allowed.

The mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, is to open the festivities on 22 September by piercing the first barrel of beer and told reporters "My dearest wish is that it be a peaceful festival."

Beer fans from all over the world flock to the city for the 16-day festival, which will run from 22 September until 7 October and is expected this year to attract over six million visitors.

As well as the usual street parade, followed by gallons of beer served night and day, Germany's national holiday will be celebrated on 2 and 3 October, with Chancellor Angela Murkel as a guest speaker.

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In brief : Culture