Distortion 2026 Street Host Bar Regulations
As a Street Host at Distortion, you can operate a bar and thereby earn additional income to cover the expenses of your event. There are special requirements associated with operating a bar during Distortion, so read on here to see what this entails.
What Distortion provides
- Bar elements from Carlsberg:
- The standard setup includes 2 scaffold bar elements (75 x 260 cm each, approx. 5 meters in total).
- Bar packages with beverages:
- Small - DKK 8,000 (rounded)
- Medium - DKK 18,000 (rounded)
- Large - DKK 33,000 (rounded)
- Beverage assortment (must be purchased through Distortion):
- Tuborg canned beer
- Red Bull
- Vodka
- Shots
- Coca-Cola
- Ice cubes
- Cooling tubs for beer
- Menu signs: All street hosts must follow Distortion's product prices.
- Delivery: Bar equipment and beverages are delivered to designated pick-up spots.
- Returns: Unused, unopened goods (whole boxes/cases) can be returned and credited.
Bar packages are purchased through Distortion and contain a fixed selection of Distortion's beverage assortment. The packages are composed based on how many drinks street hosts in previous years have purchased and sold. The contents of the packages are disclosed after the application has been approved. They must be ordered and paid for before the event.
What you are responsible for yourself
- Operation of the bar: Staff, payment solutions, change, cash registers, bar equipment, possible table for back bar, etc.
- Temporary alcohol permit:
- To sell alcohol, you must apply for a single-day license via the police.
- The permit requires a cooperation agreement with an approved restaurateur/bar manager.
- Distortion helps with the form, but it is important that it is filled out correctly, as there is no possibility to fact-check before it is submitted to the police.
- Orders: Bar packages must be ordered no later than 1 May.
- Power supply: Either via power outlet, sound-reduced generator, or battery.
Prices and fees
- Base fee for bar: DKK 3,000
- Bar packages: DKK 8,000 / 18,000 / 33,000 (rounded amounts)
- Goods purchase surcharge: 10% of the beverage order for administrative expenses
All prices are excluding VAT.
Example calculation (excluding VAT):
- Medium bar package order: DKK 18,000
- Goods purchase surcharge (10%): DKK 1,800
- Base fee: DKK 3,000 Total payment: DKK 22,800
If goods worth DKK 10,000 are returned:
- You receive the 10% goods purchase surcharge back (DKK 1,000).
- Total refund: DKK 11,000.
Bar packages and the goods purchase surcharge are invoiced and must be paid before the event. Correctly counted returned goods are credited 4-5 weeks after the event has taken place.
Why does it cost money to operate a bar?
Distortion holds the event rights for the area on Vesterbro on 4 June 2026, which involves major expenses for cleaning, sanitation, and logistics. As bar operation is one of the few ways Distortion can generate income, it is therefore necessary to “sell” part of the bar operation in order to cover costs. By giving Street Hosts the opportunity to operate bars, we ensure that local groups and cultural actors can earn money for their events. This model is a fair solution that both supports street hosts and makes it possible for Distortion to hold the festival.
