The police in St James have issued a reminder to performers and patrons attending the Reggae Sumfest Festival this weekend to obey the rules of the land.

The festival continues with Dancehall Night tonight, followed by International Nights One and Two on Friday and Saturday. The St James police are cautioning the artistes about their language and behaviour on stage.

Commanding Officer for the Division, Superintendent Merrick Brown, says the no profanity rule will be strictly enforced.

“Sometimes when we have these events the artistes tend to go on stage and use profanity. We want to communicate it to them, it’s in their contract not to do it, but we want to let them know if they do so, then police officers are going to take action,” he cautioned.

“We’re not backing down where that is concerned. It’s zero tolerance where the use of profanity is concerned at this event.”

The show’s production team says it acknowledges the artistic creativity that comes with being on stage, but urges some sensitivity towards the use of profanity.

Executive producer of Reggae Sumfest Johnny Gourzong, also noted that there is a contractual obligation for them to avoid the use of profanity and to refrain from singling out certain groups in their lyrics.

“In the contracts we have already set out what they should not be doing, and in addition, we sent them a letter which reinforced it, providing information about the show, length of performance, and other requirements,” he explained.

“We just urge them to understand these conditions and focus on putting out good quality music,” Gourzong continued.

Superintendent Brown extended the caution towards patrons attending the event as well.

Firearms will not be allowed in the venue unless carried by the police or by private security personnel.

“We asking those persons who have licensed firearms to leave the firearms at home, but if they come to the venue with it, it will be taken and stored until after the event,” he explained.

The Superintendent added that the Police will be out in large numbers to tackle any breaches of the law from the sale of drugs, to traffic infringements in and around the venue.

“The police will be out there in numbers, so we are just sending out the warning from now,” he stated.

Reggae Sumfest, scheduled for Catherine Hall Montego Bay July 22-24, remains the most celebrated and supported reggae festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20-year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture.