15 November 2018

A collaborative multi-agency approach aims to ensure Cup Day 2018 at Riccarton Park is a safe and enjoyable experience for all racegoers.

Race-day organisers, Police and Canterbury District Health Board are keen to reduce the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Initiatives include a crack-down on pre-loading - where patrons have been drinking to excess prior to their arrival at the racecourse.

Riccarton Park Operations Manager Eric Cormack says “we are determined that this will be a great day out at the races and enjoyable for all participants. We want to strongly discourage people from turning up at the grounds intoxicated, with the message that our security team will be refusing entry to anyone who has overindulged before they arrive.

He warns “if you are judged to be intoxicated you may be asked to take a breathalyser test if you want to enter the grounds. If the reading exceeds 400 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath, you will be refused entry.”

“We are not here to spoil your fun, but we take our responsibility as licensees seriously and are very conscious that intoxicated people can ruin more than just their own day out,” says Eric Cormack.

Last year on Cup Day, around 250 disappointed people were turned away from the gates for being intoxicated.

“Once inside the course the same rules apply - if you are deemed to be intoxicated you will be asked to leave.”

Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton says that Community & Public Health strongly supports the measures Riccarton Park is taking to reduce the harm caused by excess alcohol and to help ensure people stay safe.

“Be mindful about how much you drink before and during the event, or your race day might end early when you are denied entry, or asked to leave because you’ve had too much. It’s better to have good memories and no regrets.”

Bringing alcohol into the racecourse is not allowed, and a temporary alcohol ban will be in place from 7am to 12 midnight in the area around Riccarton Park Racecourse on Saturday 17 November. The ban will apply to the area bounded by both sides of Yaldhurst Road to Middlepark Road; Epsom Road to Racecourse Road; Buchanans Road to Masham Road to Yaldhurst Road.

Entry to the racecourse is restricted to those aged 18 and over.

ENDS

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