Police: Unauthorised gathering is illegal, Pitbull-themed or not

The State Police remind the public that the organisation and holding of gatherings is permitted only in accordance with the procedures laid down in legislation, subject to prior approval by the local authority. Organising unauthorised gatherings is prohibited, and individuals may face administrative penalties for failing to comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation. The police urge members of the public not to take part in unauthorised activities, to respect public order, and to choose to spend the evening at official entertainment venues. In response to the cancelled event, several entertainment venues in Rīga have announced that Pitbull’s fans are invited to attend an event dedicated to the American musician’s work at their venues. The Rīga Investment and Tourism Agency has also addressed, via its social media accounts, foreign visitors who had arrived in Riga in anticipation of the Pitbull concert, and has compiled a list of venues where Pitbull-themed evenings are scheduled for tonight. The State Police, in cooperation with the Rīga Municipal Police, will today ensure enhanced public order monitoring in the Mežaparks area and in central Riga. As previously reported, the concert by American musician Pitbull in Mežaparks has been cancelled just one day before the event. The reason for the cancellation is technical problems that arose during the construction of the stage, the organisers – the concert agency FBI – stated on 28 July. The hospitality sector is also already facing cancellations of bookings, whilst the Consumer Rights Protection Centre will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that consumer rights are respected, namely that the money spent on tickets is refunded.