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Electric Picnic initiates legal action over licence refusal

Irish music and arts festival Electric Picnic has initiated legal proceedings against Laois County Council and the Minister for Health after the local authority refused to grant a licence for this year’s event. 

It has been reported that the Council received correspondence from Arthur Cox Solicitors detailing how the organisers were seeking a judicial review of the refusal of the license.

The Council originally refused to grant a licence for the festival in Stradbally due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, citing the latest public health advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE) at the time. 

Organisers of the event also issued a statement on September 1 confirming that Electric Picnic would not be running in 2021. 

The statement read: “We wanted to update you all on the most recent news we have regarding Electric Picnic 2021. As many of you are aware, we asked Laois County Council to reverse the decision on EP being cancelled this year.

“Unfortunately, they have not yet done so and we have now run out of time. Regrettably, we have no other choice but to cancel this year’s edition. 

“We would not be able to do the festival justice this close to show day, and it would be unfair to ask ticket holders who’ve stood by us throughout this pandemic to come to EP and not get the full experience that are used to and deserve.” 

Organisers will reportedly seek compensation from Laois County Council over the licence dispute.

The action has been taken after Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer of Ireland, said the event could go ahead if all attendees proved vaccination. 

At a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) meeting, Holohan said that he would not have concerns for an outdoor event happening like Electric Picnic. 

The Leinster Express claims that John Mulholland, chief executive of Laois County Council, confirmed the authority had received correspondence acting on behalf of the promoters on September 1 – the same day organisers confirmed the festival would not be running.

Image: Jade Masri on Unsplash

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