Beaumont Boot Bash: MDMA / Ecstasy Drug Use, End of Violence Singles Party

A drug overdose and a cowardly coup mean that after 10 years, the South Island’s annual Beaumont Boot Bash is no more.

For Beaumont Hotel owner and host, Alison Mills, it was a case of “getting out of my pub” as she decided this week to cancel the 11th iteration of the singles party, scheduled for February 6.

It was called “Boot Bash” because attendees were expected to bring their (clean) rubber boots onto the dance floor.

The problem was that this year people brought a little more, MDMA, also known as ecstasy, to the event organized by the small town of Otago between Roxburgh and Balclutha.

She said the drug spoiled this year’s event, which took place on January 19, and had effectively killed all hope of another happening.

“MDMA has ruined things for everyone.”

And it was due to the large amount of drug use, drug dealing and violence at this year’s event that he had decided “sadly” that the Boot Bash could no longer continue.

“He left. It was a party in a paddock and it was really good.

“That [drug use] it’s too big but I can’t control it and it’s only going to get worse. “

The overdose was a factor, he said.

“There are many resources for one person.

“But people look at me and think ‘you need to have these resources for this kind of thing’, but that comes at a cost.

“I don’t sell drugs and I don’t use drugs, so I can’t be watching everyone.”

A fight that resulted in a cowardly punch had further cemented his decision.

In the past, attended by more than 200 people, the event featured live music and the opportunity for singles to mingle and mingle, with varying degrees of success.

One couple was mated and later married, Mills said.

He thanked those who had supported the Boot Bash for the past 10 years, but gave brief approval.

“To all the people whose selfishness has spoiled others, you know who you are.”

The Otago Daily Times knows that police stopped at the event, but a police spokeswoman said an initial search in Beaumont on January 19 and 20 turned up nothing related to the incidents.

However, a St John staff member told the ODT that the overdose and the assault required ambulance assistance and that both people were taken by rescue helicopter to the hospital.