BERLIN – Munich authorities are ramping up security precautions for this year’s Oktoberfest after a deadly shooting rampage at a city mall this summer and two attacks claimed by the Islamic State group left Germans on edge.
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Deputy police chief Werner Feiler said Wednesday that backpacks and large bags will be banned, the approximately 75-acre venue will be fenced to ensure all visitors go through security controls, multiple video cameras have been installed, and additional police will be on hand.
He says that although there is a “high abstract danger” of an attack at the festival, which is expected to draw 6 million visitors in the Bavarian capital, no concrete security threats are known of.
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But, the city’s famed festival will still kick off on Saturday, with beer expected to flow through Oct. 3.
New security details are listed the official Oktoberfest website, advising beer drinkers that they will not be permitted to bring backpacks and will have to go through a security checkpoint before entering the festival grounds.
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