Montecasino puts steps in place after 20 April ‘firework’ display

The five-minute pyrotechnics display was part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz event held at Montecasino.

Sian Bailey, public relations manager of Montecasino said the casino had always been mindful with regards to how events that have the potential of creating noise pollution affect not only the residents within the precinct, including the Bird Gardens and hotel guests but equally important the extended community residing in Montecasino’s catchment area.

“For this reason, when Montecasino host events or third party external producers utilise Montecasino as a venue – we have very strict guidelines and processes in place to ensure that we stay within the regulated parameters,” said Bailey.

“Through internal investigations as well as discussions with individuals from various residential forums we have identified improvements within our processes and would like to provide the below feedback [to residents of Fourways].”

Bailey said their first point of call was to check on the birds at the Bird Gardens. “The general manager of the Montecasino Bird Gardens confirmed that all birds and animals are fine.”
She said Montecasino’s public relations department was not notified to distribute a residential letter prior to the event as the event was hosted in the Ball Room. “We are in the process of updating a clause around the use of fireworks in the booking form for the grassy, outdoor events area and piazza to prevent this from happening again.”

Bailey said that according to Starburst, the fireworks and pyrotechnics supplier, they did not use fireworks at the event but the same pyrotechnics used for all Boktown screenings and NYE celebrations. “The only difference was the number of pyrotechnics and duration of the display. Montecasino’s approved fireworks and pyrotechnics supplier will continue to adhere to Montecasino’s regulations i.e. no fireworks only pyrotechnics to be used on property.”

According to Bailey, their residential database would be updated on a regular basis to ensure communication is sent to all parties. She said this would include residential letters distributed to a set database that included heads/chairpersons of particular residential forums at least a week before the event. “Based on the social media activity, not all residents are informed. In consultation with the different residential forums including community policing forums, a new list would be compiled.

Bailey said Montecasino would work closely with the Fourways Review and other regulated/certified social media groups to ensure that their database is comprehensive. “Furthermore, we will furnish these groups with the correct contact person at Montecasino if they have an enquiry or concern around a particular event being held at Montecasino.”

“Although disappointed with the outcome, this has given us the opportunity to update and improve our processes towards ensuring that all events are managed and are safe and enjoyable for all concerned. We look forward to nurturing and continuing our relationship with our residents and community media.”

Initial story: 20 April

Fourways residents took to social media complaining about loud bangs being heard in the area.

According to several posts on social media, it is believed that the noise was caused by fireworks being set off at Montecasino, who are hosting the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival.

Priya Naidoo Group Communication Manager Tsogo Sun has since apologised to the public regarding the fireworks at Montecasino. View her statement below:

Social media users expressed concern for the birds at the bird park at Montecasino as well as the local vet’s office in the area as well as concern for their own pets.

View some of the reactions from Twitter below:

@CityofJoburgZA whoever authorized the fireworks at Montecasino meters from the bird park and a vet in a residential area should be fired😡😡😡

— linda horsfield (@linsam12) April 20, 2017

Fireworks at Montecasino – @JoyOfJazz lineup announcement @tsogosun is a partner https://t.co/C2aDCEM9vL

— Thiwe Ranthimo (@Thiwe) April 20, 2017

Fireworks & a flash mob kick off tonight's event.#SBJOJ pic.twitter.com/WTh4y3QC1u

— Standard Bank ZA (@StandardBankZA) April 20, 2017

Further details remain unclear at this stage, however, the Fourways Review will contact Montecasino for further information.