Underage drinking incidents reported at Ljósanótt festival in Reykjanesbær

Incidents of Underage Drinking at Ljósanótt Festival

The Ljósanótt festival in Reykjanesbær experienced noteworthy incidents of underage drinking over the weekend. Four minor assaults were reported during the event, and two police officers were punched in the face.

Held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Reykjanesbær, the festival attracted thousands of attendees. In response to recent events, police increased their presence with additional support from the capital region and the Special Forces, totaling around eighty personnel.

Despite the rise in incidents of alcohol consumption among youth, Bjarney Annelsdóttir, Chief of Police in Suðurnes, reported that the festival generally went well. She specifically noted the issue of teenage drinking, stating, “We are talking about those aged 15 and younger.” Child protective services worked alongside the police to ensure the guardians of the underage individuals were informed and asked to collect their children.

Bjarney expressed that while incidents may have increased slightly compared to previous years, she does not believe there is an overall rise in underage drinking. She said, “This is something we’ve seen during Ljósanótt in the past. I would like to think that, overall, it is not escalating and I sincerely hope it isn’t.”

During the celebrations, there were no weapons used or confiscated, and all reported injuries were minor. One individual was detained following the assaults on police officers, but metal detectors used by police found no weapons. Bjarney expressed satisfaction with the overall management of the weekend event, emphasizing effective preparation and cooperation from the community.