SAPOL granted expanded powers in area around Adelaide Fringe Festival, declared public precinct
Police will have expanded powers to search and move on festival goers for the duration of the Fringe Festival through a declaration made by the Attorney-General Kyam Maher.
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The area around Adelaide Fringe has been designated a declared public precinct for the duration of the festival, drawing support from local business owners and the Fringe.
Declared public precincts are areas where police are granted a range of expanded powers, including the ability to search people for weapons and drugs, bar people from entering the declared area and move troublesome people on.
Declarations have previously been made in a number of hotspots around the state, including in Port Augusta, Glenelg and the Adelaide CBD.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the declaration would be in place from February 21 to March 23 between 6pm and 6am each day to assist police to ensure community safety.
“Festival season in Adelaide attracts large attendance rates in the CBD and we want to ensure the community is as safe as possible while enjoying the best of the
Adelaide Fringe and Festival season,” he said.
The Advertiser spoke with a number of business owners and shop attendants who were generally supportive of the expanded police powers.
Owner of Chakna, Ravi, said it was “a good thing”.
“During Fringe people get a bit naughty and intoxicated,” he said.
“The police will be able to sort these people out.”
Abdul, who works at a convenience store on Rundle St said he was “conflicted” about the move.
“It depends how the police use (the extra powers),” he said.
“It will be better for security, but maybe a little bit disruptive.”
A spokesman for the Fringe said the declaration formed an “essential” part of the festival.
“Declaring public precincts like this are an essential part of event planning when expected attendances are in the millions,” the spokesman said.
“We always work closely with SAPOL and City of Adelaide to ensure public safety across our events.”
The 2025 declaration follows similar precincts being declared in 2024 and 2023.
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Originally published as SAPOL granted expanded powers in area around Adelaide Fringe Festival, declared public precinct
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