A group of promoters are believed to be 'secretly lobbying' the NSW government over the cost of having police at events, claiming that the fees are a key force in driving ticket prices up.
According to Fairfax, Chugg Entertainment are leading the group who say they are being unfairly slugged by police under the 'user-pay' system, in which event promoters pay for the required police presence – which is often mandatory for an event.
Chugg Entertainment's Chairman Michael Chugg and CEO Matthew Lazarus-Hall were unavailable for comment to theMusic.com.au today.
Police revenue from user-pays events was $5.5 million in the 2007/08 financial year, and was up to $8.5 million last financial year.
Documents obtained by Fairfax seem to indicate that police fees regularly vary and the number of punters at an event does not consistently equate to a price range.
They claim that Soundwave's Sydney police fee jumped from $70,000 last year, when 20 people were arrested, to $100,000 this year when none were arrested.
Other instances cited include Mumford & Sons' show in Dungog, which incurred a $30,000 fee to monitor the 1,800-strong crowd. Coldplay's metro concert, which drew 50,000 people cost the promoter the same fee. The Mumford & Sons curated Gentlemen Of The Road event in Dugong, which took place following their concert, drew 14,000 fans and was charged another $60,000 by police.
In 2007 Sydney's V Festival cost promoters $40,000 for police and by 2009 is was up to $100,000. This was despite a drop in ticket sales, which would eventually see the annual event discontinued.
Speaking off the record, promoters have admitted that these fees are being passed on to consumers.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
The New South Wales police force has not replied to theMusic.com.au's questions in time for deadline today, but a representative told Fairfax, “There's a user-pays policy that is on the website. Of course you're going to get people who are upset because they have to pay.”
Police Association President Scott Weber added that regional festival were hit with higher fees because of the logistical efforts to get police to the area.
“This is not about profit, it's about public safety,” he said, “if there aren't enough police to do the job we need to get them there, secure accommodation, and that all costs money.”
