Site Entry Conditions & Security Safeguarding Policy

Entry Conditions: 

This is a Family Event – All Ages are Welcome.

ALCOHOL & GLASS POLICY

• Strictly No Alcohol can be brought into or is permitted on the Slough Mela site. 
• Water Bottles must be plastic, transparent sealed/ original container, flavourless only. Visitors may be asked to open it in front of security staff. 
• The Slough Mela Security team reserve the right to request the disposal of water prior to entry with our dedicated bins. Bottled Water is available to purchase past the entry point.
• No Glass will be allowed into the event site, any glass found will be confiscated. 

SEARCHES

At both entry points to the site, there will be clear signage detailing the conditions of entry. A personal and bag search are a part of those conditions and will be implemented on a selective basis. This includes persons, bags, prams and push chairs.  Entry to the event will be refused even with a valid ticket if customers decline to be searched.  

• Permission will be asked to search. Physical search of the person will be in a methodical manner, starting from the head and working down and asking them to remove outer clothing (hats (unless of religious significance), coats) if necessary.
• This may involve the use of a torch to help see into pockets, if possible, customer s will be asked to empty contents onto table.
• Customer will be asked to take any items out of bags and place on table.
• Best practices will be adopted, male search males, females search females.
• Culture, Religion and Disability will all be considered in order to conduct searches in a respectful and compassionate manner.
• Searches on minors will be conducted ethically. Best practices will be adopted, and female security supervisor will search a female minor.
• If a person appears to be transgender or transexual or explains that they identify as transgender, they will be allowed to select which sex they would prefer conducting the search.
• Due to the bag search policy, this may cause a short delay when entering the festival ground. 

DRUGS AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES POLICY 

The Slough Mela has a ZERO Tolerance to Drugs and random searches will be conducted on entering the site.  Bags push chairs and prams will also be checked.

• Searches will be conducted upon entry and anyone in possession of any illegal substances or unidentifiable prescription medication will be refused entry to the Mela.  The offensive items will be disposed of into the relevant Police monitored secure bins.  The Police will be notified, and the customer detained, by SIA licensed staff.  Where sufficient doubt surrounds the legitimacy of an alleged prescribed drug, the drug will not be confiscated but entry to the site will be refused.
• Legal’ Highs are NOT permitted on site, NOS Gas or Balloons of any type will NOT be permitted into the show ground. Relevant searches will be conducted upon entry. Anyone found with NOS will be assumed has the intent to supply. The customer will be refused entry to the Mela and detained by SIA Licensed staff and the Police will be notified.

ANTI KNIFE CRIME & WEAPONS CAMPAIGN / POLICY 

• The Slough Mela is a No Knife & Weapons Zone and upholds a strict ZERO tolerance. The festival promotes a safe and enjoyable FAMILY environment. 
• Anonymous Amnesty Bins will be available near the entrances of the Mela site for those who would like dispose of any items they may have in their possession anonymously.
• Thorough searches will be conducted by the Slough Mela Security Team at all entrances. Any customer found in possession of a Knife or Weapon will immediately be detained by SIA Licensed staff and the Police will be notified. 
• Regular checks will be conducted by the Security Response team across the show ground throughout the event to ensure the Slough Mela remains a safe environment.

PHOTO & VIDEO POLICY

• Photo / Video Consent: The Mela Media team will be taking photos and videos throughout the day for future promotion as well as coverage for the local and national press and media. Please advise the media team at any time if you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, any pictures or videos will be deleted as we respect the privacy of each individual who makes this request.
• Customers are not permitted to bring in professional cameras or professional recording equipment to the Slough Mela.  Relevant searches will be conducted upon entry. Anyone found with any professional video/sound recording equipment will be refused entry to the Mela even with a valid ticket.

ACCESSIBILITY 

• Wheelchair Entrance Access will be available at both entrances.
• A number of disabled toilets will be available to use across the Slough Mela site. 
• There will be members of the Slough Mela Street Team and Security Team who will be able to assist customers to locate the toilets as well as escort any customers through the crowd who require additional assistance.
• A Welfare tent will be available should you require any assistance or need a rest area away from the crowd.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items are prohibited at the Slough Mela: –

·         Knives or weapons or anything that can be constructed as a weapon.

·         Alcohol

·         Illegal drugs of any kind including those known as ‘Legal Highs’ (New psychoactive substances) and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

·         Glass and Styrofoam containers

·         Professional cameras

·         Professional recording equipment

·         PA sound systems and drums

·         Smoke canisters

·         Flags

·         Banners

·         Poles

·         Tents

·         Cooking equipment

·         Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Chinese or Flying Lanterns.

·         The flying of kites and balloons

·         Aerosol Klaxon horns

·         Disposable Barbecues

·         Laser pens/torches

OTHER ENTRY CONDITIONS

• No Flags will be allowed on to the Mela site. 
• No Dogs or Other Animals are allowed on site. Exception only for Guide Dogs (Relevant Harness Must Be Worn at All Times)
• Cyclists will not be permitted to ride or walk their bicycle through the site during the event opening hours even with a valid ticket.  All cyclists will be discouraged from chaining their bicycles to fence or event infrastructure.

If customers require further assistance or have queries regarding the Site Entry Policy they are able to contact BSE via email or telephone email [email protected] or call 07538017393

Please note:- There is no receipt system in operation at the Slough Mela and all prohibited items must be either consumed or will be confiscated (by means of the customer placing the items in confiscation bins) prior to admittance, or the customer will be refused admission to the event even with a valid ticket  (Right of Admission Reserved).