Leave Your Booze At Home For the Christmas Races

Another temporary alcohol ban will be in force around the vicinity of the Ascot Park Raceway this Christmas, to stop people from sneaking booze in and out of the event.

Invercargill Police in conjunction with the Invercargill City Council have put the ban in place as a result of incidents in recent years.

Area commander Inspector Mike Bowman wrote a letter to the ICC in support of the alcohol ban, that was agreed by council at its Community Wellbeing and Regulatory Committee today.

Insp Bowman said most people that arrived at the annual Christmas race meeting on December 14 abided by the conditions, “but a number try to smuggle alcohol onto the course.

“Generally at this time of the day disorder is not an issue, however as the day continues, intoxication levels rise and disorder becomes an issue with some patrons attempting to leave the course with alcohol.”

A report to the committee from manager – environmental services Gillian Cavanagh, said the organiser of the event - The Southland Racing Club, also supported the temporary ban from 10am to 4pm.

This would be from the intersection of St Andrew Street and Racecourse Road to the Racecourse Road entrance of the Ascot Park Hotel, and on Yarrow Street between Racecourse Road and Derwent Street.

“Historically, attendees of the event would bring BYO alcohol and also consume alcohol on the way to and from the event.  

“Resulting in higher levels of intoxication, disorder, littering and antisocial behaviour affecting the amenity and good order of the area.”

In recent years the event has attracted between 6,000 and 8,000 people, and there was no BYO policy in place, with alcohol purchased on the course.  

“The temporary alcohol ban has proven to be an effective measure to reduce disorder and anti-social behaviour, particularly towards the end of the day as people leave the event.”