The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports have proposed to the local authorities to reissue licenses to EDM festivals in the area.

Seven people died and five people suffered comas at the music festival Vietnam Electronic Weekend

"The incident at Vietnam Electronic Weekend in the West Lake last year was not caused by the licence issuing process or organisation of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival's security was uncontrollable. We can't ban festivals for too long while demand for music shows is high as Tet nears," said To Van Dong, director of Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

He suggested loosening the ban.

In September 2018, seven people died and five people suffered comas due to suspected drug overdoses at the music festival Vietnam Electronic Weekend held at the West Lake Water Park. The victims tested positive for substances in their bloodstreams which include methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy, and marijuana.

Hanoi authorities then banned all electronic music festivals to tighten management and security. Many festivals which were already licensed were also banned.

According to Dong, the authorities should reissue licenses to festivals, while the police have still yet to publically announce the findings of their investigation into the deaths of the seven people.

Lao Dong/Dtinews