The Policy Of Papering

The state of New York apparently wants to make sure it’s getting all it’s due from the Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater. A state audit of the Wantagh, N.Y., shed criticized its promoter for giving away millions of dollars worth of tickets with no formal policy.

The “papering” audit concluded that the amphitheatre’s owner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and its operator, Beach Concerts Inc., need to implement a written policy. Beach Concerts is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Entertainment and the shed is promoted by the Ron Delsener Presents office.

“In 2002 and 2003, Beach Concerts issued a total of 102,727 complimentary tickets with an approximate value of $4.7 million,” the Office of the New York State Comptroller said in a statement. “Auditors determined that neither Beach Concerts nor OPRHP has any written policies and procedures for issuance of complimentary tickets, and found no documentation for authorization relating to their use at the theatre.”

The office also questioned why the venue manager, an OPRHP employee, alone scored nearly 600 tickets in that time period.

The audit said Beach Concerts had detailed listings showing the number of complimentary tickets issued by category but no documentation showing why the number of tickets was issued.

“We are reviewing the audit report and will make any necessary changes to our operations,” CCE said in a statement. “We have an excellent track record of bringing top-tier talent to Jones Beach and are proud of our role in making the facility an important source of revenue for the State of New York.”