The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) stands firm on its decision to ban the Better Beer Festival despite assurances given by the organiser that security measures will be put in place.

Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said DBKL would not reconsider the application because the festival is against the law as it involves the sale of liquor in an open area.

"They can hold (the festival) it in a hotel, pub or restaurant. I don't care. In open space, it will not be allowed," he told reporters after launching the Federal Territories Unity Week and My Rukun Negara 2017 and #V4KL@Unity programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

Tengku Adnan, better known as Ku Nan, stressed that the safety aspects should be placed under the police which clearly do not support the festival as well.

"They (the organiser) said it is safe and nothing bad will happen but public safety is the responsibility of the government," he added.

The Better Beer Festival organiser had urged DBKL to reconsider its application saying that it would put security measures in place such as having strict identification and security checks at all entry points to the enclosed areas.

It also plans to have multiple security personnel, Publika auxiliary police and Malaysian Red Crescent members to ensure safety and security at the event.

The organiser said it had organised the craft beer festival annually for the past five years without any “untoward incidents” during or after the event.

The Better Beer Festival 2017 was planned for Oct 6 to 7 at Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

On Sept 18, DBKL rejected the organiser’s application for a permit to hold the event.

- Bernama