PNC Security Increase

Teens caught drinking during concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., may find themselves confined to a van thanks to tighter security measures following a show where 13 teens were taken to a nearby hospital.

Plans call for more officers on duty, with about 60 police officers at the June 6th Fall Out Boy concert instead of the usual 10-15. Plainclothes officers will also patrol the Live Nation-run venue, authorities said.

Joseph Orlando, spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which owns the facility, said commuter vans will be used to detain teens caught drinking on the premises until state police arrive to process them.

Concession staff are also being asked to designate an employee as an "alcohol compliance officer" to double-check that patrons are 21 or older.

The new strategy is a result of State Assemblywoman Amy Handlin’s written complaint to the state Alcohol Beverage Control board following reports that 15 concertgoers – 13 reportedly underage – were taken to a nearby hospital for alcohol-related problems following a May 18th Gwen Stefani concert.

Handlin asked the ABC to pull PNC’s liquor license to make a point with venue officials about keeping a closer eye on minors during concerts.

Live Nation spokesman John Vlautin previously told Pollstar that PNC officials already had strict security policies in place and would make adjustments where needed.