According to reports in all relevant German media, such as Welt.de, today, July 15, 2016, the Free State of Bavaria is going to review the safety concept for this year’s instalment of the Oktoberfest, following yesterday’s attack in Nice. This has been announced today by Bavaria’s Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann (CSU). According to him, breaching into the festival grounds at the Theresienwiese with a truck has been considered as a possible threat in the past, and Oktoberfest security is prepared for such possible attacks, but existing plans will be reviewed in the light of yesterday’s events.

On the evening of 14 July 2016, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a Franco-Tunisian, deliberately drove a cargo truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, killing at least 84 and injuring many more. The attacker drove the truck in a zigzag manner through the crowd. He was shot and killed by police.

As for additional safety measures for the festival, it has been decided to employ additional security personnel. The 100 more people in charge of safety and security are going to cost the city additional €2.8 million. There are going to be more controls of handbags and rucksacks at the entrance, but no general ban on them. The city’s official Facebook page and the official Twitter account are going to be used to inform the general public if the festival grounds are overcrowded. Also, for the first time ever the Oktoberfest is going to introduce wristbands, not only for people who have reserved seats at one of the tents, but for everyone at the Oktoberfest grounds at Munich’s Theresienwiese on peak day at peak times.

Over 6 million beer loving visitors are expected at the 183rd instalment of the traditional Bavarian beer festival in 2016. This year the Oktoberfest is set to take place at the Theresienwiese from Saturday, September 17 until Monday, October 3 (German Reunification Day).