Props and Weapons Policy
Finnish law prohibits the carrying of weapons of any kind in public, including concealed weapons and replica weapons. This includes knives of any kind, which means that Leathermans, Swiss Army Knives or other multi-tools are not allowed in public places, including the convention centre. If you believe you need a knife or multi-tool for a specific work related purpose at Worldcon 75 (e.g. for Move-In / Move-Out), please pre-arrange this with our Turva team
(turva@worldcon.fi).
Carrying any kind of weapon or an item that could reasonably be mistaken for a weapon is forbidden in the Convention Centre, other than for the Masquerade. Items like this include air-soft guns (BB gun, Nerf gun, etc.), other gun replicas, ornamental swords, and all types of knives. If your costume prop could be considered a weapon, please check in with the security desk when you arrive.
During, or when heading directly to and from the Masquerade only, a contestant can carry an obviously artificial gun or weapon if it is part of their costume. The prop should be left in the cloakroom if the contestant is not heading directly to the Masquerade. Please remember safety during the show, and while transporting the prop to and from the Masquerade.
Alcohol and Other Intoxicating Substances
Restaurants and bars are only allowed to serve alcohol in a designated area (licensed area, “anniskelualue”), which usually means inside the establishment, and sometimes outside at the terrace, and taking alcohol outside of those areas is not allowed. Carrying and consuming alcoholic drinks not bought from the restaurant or bar is forbidden within the licensed areas.
As the whole of Messukeskus is part of the licensed area for the catering companies Fazer, carrying and consuming alcoholic drinks or other intoxicating substances is strictly forbidden in the Convention Centre and in its close proximity unless purchased from licensed vendors on site. If needed, Security will confiscate alcohol and other intoxicating substances. All controlled substances (such as illegal drugs) will be handed over to the local police.
Persons under 18 years of age are not allowed to purchase, carry, or consume any alcoholic drinks. For strong spirits (over 22% alcohol by volume) persons under 20 years of age are not allowed to purchase from a liquor store, or carry around in a bottle, but may purchase and consume in a restaurant or bar.
Smoking
Worldcon 75 is a non-smoking (including vaping) event. In accordance with Finnish law, a person must be 18 or older to smoke, and smoking is not allowed indoors at any time. It is also forbidden to smoke close to the entrances of the venue or close to “No smoking” signs. This is also to make sure our members who suffer from asthma or have sensitivity to smoke, including the vapours from vaping, can enjoy the event without problems to their health. There are designated smoking areas outside, for those who wish to smoke or vape. Please make sure any smoking waste (ash, butts, etc.) ends up in the ashtrays of the designated smoking areas.
About the Venue
Littering, making a mess, or otherwise damaging the venue is strictly forbidden. Members of Worldcon 75 are restricted to the areas of Messukeskus facilities which have been rented by our convention. Do not touch or move furniture or devices being stored by the venue (for example, if covered by a drape).
Obstructing the corridors of the venue is not allowed. Please avoid sitting on the stairs or otherwise obstructing access areas or doorways. Moving furniture meant as an obstruction is not allowed.
Attaching posters, ads, or other papers or items to the walls of the venue is allowed only with permission from Info Desk and only in the designated areas indicated by the Info Desk staff.
Back to Code of Conduct and Rules.
