Safety summit

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At Whitsun, it's party time again in the popular seaside resort of Lignano - albeit under even stricter security than in previous years.

(Bild: Zwefo, Krone KREATIV)

In four weeks' time, the Upper Adriatic will be back in full swing at Whitsun. This year with even more police.

The so-called Committee for Public Order and Safety was convened for the first time back in February. Next week, those responsible (including police representatives and Lignano's mayor Laura Giorgi) will meet again.

Because this year it's "Tutto Gas" again two weeks earlier than usual in the popular seaside resort on the Upper Adriatic - when tens of thousands of Austrians (but also Italians) arrive for the traditional Whitsun party weekend.

This year, even more police forces are to ensure law and order in Lignano.

(Bild: Zwefo)

Private security companies will also support the police once again.

(Bild: Klaus Loibnegger)

Checks on "entry"
Already fixed: even more police and private security staff and even stricter intervention. In addition, intensive checks will be carried out when entering the resort. This is despite the fact that last year was already much quieter than usual and feared due to stricter regulations such as earlier curfews, bans on watermelons, bottles and glass and night-time beach closures.

And even if there has been no official request from the Italians to date, at least two Carinthian police officers will probably be sent to the party again this year to act as contact persons, interpreters and mediators. While some cheer the authorities' tough approach, many others cannot understand it.

"We're talking about three days outside the peak season. And it only affects a small section of Lignano. You can easily avoid the hustle and bustle. Even last year, countless young people left for Croatia or Jesolo because of the overly strict rules," says restaurateur Giuseppe.

Prison sentence after freak-out
The consequences of a "Tutto Gas slip-up" are illustrated by a recent court sentence handed down to a young Italian in Udine: one year and six months in prison! Because the 24-year-old attacked police officers during an official act, bit an officer on the thigh and kicked an ambulance.