The Ministry of Trade and Industry, MTI, decided to close the doors of the Beer and Wine Festival on Monday, which was taking place on the rooftop area of the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina.

According to the MTI minister, Endrit Shala, the decision came after market inspectors identified a number of visitors at the beer and wine festival to be under the age of 18.

The organizers warned on social media prior to the event that persons under the age of 18 would not be able to enter. 

“After many complaints received by citizens and because of the violations identified, respectively allowing persons under the age of 18 to enter and consume alcoholic drinks, I order the Market Inspectorate of the Ministry of Trade to shut down all activity of the Beer and Wine Festival in Prishtina,” said Shala.

On Sunday, a brawl took place with one individual was reported to have been stabbed, causing panic among the visitors of the festival and requiring a special unit of the Kosovo Police to intervene and calm down the situation.

The festival was intended to take place from Friday, July 5, and end on Tuesday, July 9. The festival showcased local and international beers and wines across different stalls at the Palace of Youth and Sports.

2019 marked the seventh consecutive year of the festival, which also featured live musical events every evening.