Carnival City to Implement Strict No-Bottle Policy for Carnival 2025

The Festival Commission has announced that a strict No-bottle Policy will be in effect at Carnival City throughout the 2025 Carnival festivities. Minister of Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, made this announcement during a recent walk-through of the venue.

The enforcement of this policy will be diligently overseen by the Festival Commission, headed by Director Petley O’Keiffe and her team.

Minister Matthew, who also serves as the Minister of Sports, emphasized the necessity of this measure to safeguard the country’s reputation. The Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG), which hosts Carnival City, is also a practice venue for international cricket.

“We cannot risk having broken glass on the grounds, especially on the pitch or in the outfield area. If a cricketer were to be injured by a piece of glass during practice, it would attract significant international attention and damage our standing as a credible cricket venue. Taking this into consideration, we will implement a no-bottle policy in ARG and Carnival City for the entirety of the 2025 season,” he stated.

During the events, marshals from the Festival Commission will patrol Carnival City to ensure compliance with the policy. Any vendor found violating this rule will have their permit to operate in Carnival City revoked for the entire season.

Director O’Keiffe has urged all vendors to serve drinks exclusively in disposable plastic cups to prevent any breaches. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to only accept beverages served in plastic glasses.