Bringing your own banned from Awapuni races

The days of packing a chilly bin full of beer and heading to the Awapuni races are no more after racing administrators imposed a blanket BYO ban.

RACE chief executive Matt Reid yesterday announced the ban for all major event days at Awapuni, Otaki and Trentham, and he anticipated it would be met with anger by some punters.

RACE is the collective body for the six racing venues in the Wellington region and Manawatu.

Banning BYO alcohol from all major events at the three racecourses was a necessary move so RACE could operate in a more "commercial environment", Mr Reid said.

He said it was a bold move to restrict patrons from bringing their own alcohol and accepted there would be some negative reactions.

"The days we have chosen to restrict BYO are the days we [RACE] invest a lot into.

"We hope to be able to re-invest the money [made from alcohol sales] into providing high-quality events," Mr Reid said.

The move has been endorsed by police and local authorities.

Senior Sergeant Cliff Brown said the decision to ban BYO at some of the events was favoured by police.

"Stopping BYO is a good means of regaining control of liquor at these events.

"There have been many instances over the years with people being incredibly intoxicated and without BYO, the venues can control how much people are consuming," Mr Brown said.

In 2007, Awapuni Racing Club banned BYO alcohol at its Boxing Day event.

Former Manawatu Racing Club general manager David Jewell said the BYO ban was necessary to prevent a repeat of the serious incidents of drunken behaviour.

People used to bring kegs of beer while others tried to drink 24 cans each or wandered around drinking from bottles of spirits.

Mr Reid said the racing venues have a responsibility to regulate drinking behaviour, although he was unsure why this decision was not enforced earlier.

"Creating a safer environment for race-day patrons is our priority ... I really couldn't tell you why it [the restriction] has not been thought of earlier," Mr Reid said.

"By instigating a complete BYO ban we are strengthening our community partnerships to ensure a safe environment for all involved, and at the same time ensuring the entertainment on and off the track is preserved in the manner it commands."

Traditionally a BYO ban has only been in place for Wellington Cup Day at Trentham and Boxing Day at Awapuni. BYO will still be permitted on non-premier or smaller event days.

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