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Crime & Safety

Novato Festival Organizers Pushing Public Safety

Volunteers are trained extensively on how to serve alcoholic beverages in the safest manner possible, organizers say. Police and private security will safeguard event throughout the weekend.

Organizers of this weekend's eagerly anticipated North Bay bash say they're committed to serving up a good time, but not at the expense of public safety.

The anticipated crowds of up to 90,000 attending the Novato Art, Wine and Music Festival will soak up a warm bay area sun along with the sounds of an iconic 1980's rock band and sip Napa Valley Chardonnays under the watchful eyes of law enforcement and private security, organizers say.

The truckloads of alcoholic beverages will be served by an army of up to 350 volunteers with hours of training under their belts. The training is provided by Chamber of Commerce staffers who've undergone countless hours of state mandated instruction on proper ways to handle the booze distribution, including checking ID's, proper pouring techniques, and how to identify and cut off drunks.

Organizers are doing all they can to maintain the festival's sterling public safety record, Chamber CEO Coy Smith, who's managing the event said.

“Our track record shows that (the Novato Police Department) is very happy with us about how we manage that part of the event,” Smith said. “The amount of people that they have to deal with that are intoxicated or underage drinking at our festival is almost zero every year, so it's very well run event from that standpoint.

“Obviously it's something we have to, but it's very important to us and it's something we take pride in.”

Volunteers serving alcohol were trained on Monday and asked to read and sign serving guidelines.

Police and security guards will protect people and property throughout the weekend. They will be assigned to safeguard booths overnight as well, Smith said.

And while the festival might get a little loud at times, organizers say they'll take every reasonable measure to make sure it's an orderly event suitable for those of all ages.

“We don't want people think they just show up and it's going to be a big massive party and get out of control,” Smith said.

“We want people to have fun and we want them to have a good time. We want them to have a beer or two but we also want to manage it so it's safe and everybody gets home safe.”

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