Munich's mayor has promised extra precautions are being taken to keep Oktoberfest visitors safe after a knife attack in a North Rhine-Westphalian city left three dead in August. Millions of revelers are expected to visit Munich's world-famous beer festival this year.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Munich's Lord Mayor is the first person to enjoy a carousel ride at this year's Oktoberfest.
00:05After the recent knife attacks in Germany, one message has priority for the city's top official.
00:11The festival will be a safe event.
00:13We're doing everything to guarantee visitor safety.
00:16Of course, there is no absolute guarantee, similar to riding a bike instead of a car.
00:20But we believe the Oktoberfest is safe, otherwise we would not go through with it.
00:25The Oktoberfest, happening on 85 acres in the heart of Munich,
00:29is expecting more than 6 million visitors in 16 days.
00:33The area has been completely fenced in, all visitors will have to go through security.
00:40For the first time, we will use metal detectors.
00:43We also have a strong police presence and will do security checks where necessary.
00:50Security is supported by a high-definition surveillance system,
00:54delivering images that are being monitored at the Oktoberfest police station.
00:58Knives are banned at the festival and violators might very well end up in the prison cells on location.
01:07And for those enjoying the traditional roast chicken in one of the large beer tents,
01:12it is illegal to take knives and forks outside the tent perimeter.
01:17Security is on alert.
01:20We have great security that has been working for us for decades
01:24and they are now even more focused on this issue.
01:27People have always tried to take our beer mugs,
01:30that's why we have the beer mug checks in front of the tent
01:33and they are taking care of this problem as well.
01:38Most bags and backpacks are banned anyway,
01:40the atmosphere among the Oktoberfest businesses relaxed.
01:45We have no security concerns, we trust the Munich police.
01:49A sentiment shared by the tourists that have come to Munich for some sightseeing and a visit to the Oktoberfest.
01:54We've heard it's very safe, we've heard that many precautions are taken
01:59and we're looking forward to having a good time.
02:01We have gun laws in this country, so we feel safer in Germany, frankly.
02:05Than in New York.
02:06Yeah, because it's such a long-standing thing.
02:08I guess you just kind of assume that security has just improved and improved.
02:14A fair thing to assume. After all, this is the 189th Oktoberfest.
02:19And Munich's message to the world has remained the same over the years.
02:23We love having you.