SXSW-Olsen


A consulting firm says Austin should create a safety plan that limits how many other events occur the week of the South by Southwest festival.(Photo: Matt Olsen / KVUE)



AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A consulting firm says Austin should create a safety plan that limits how many other events occur the week of the South by Southwest festival.


The Austin American-Statesman reports the festival’s planners have long argued the city’s downtown area is filled with crowds because of nonsanctioned, pop-up events by businesses. They say people are drawn into venues with the promise of free alcohol and that those businesses can’t handle large crowds.


The report was sent Tuesday to city officials. The festival’s co-founder says the festival should get priority permitting for all of its events.


The festival hired the consulting firm after four people died in a crash during last year’s event. An artist was also arrested after being accused of trying to incite a riot.


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