Should the Far Hills Races Ban Alcohol at General Admissions Gates? [POLL]
Partial ban announced for this October's Far Hills Races aimed at curbing excessive drinking. Is that justified?
Photos
It shouldn't have come as a surprise: After complaints about public intoxication and rowdy behavior at last October's Far Hills Race Meeting, local officials vowed that such shenanigans must finally come to an end.
Late last month, it was announced that general admission ticket holders at future Far Hills Race Meetings no longer will be permitted to bring alcohol in through the gates to Moorland Farm, where the races are held each October. The change is due to go into effect for this fall's race, scheduled for Oct. 19, 2013.
Guy Torsilieri, co-chairman for the steeplechase horse races, informally known as "The Hunt," said that alcohol still will be permitted at corporate tents, catered affairs and for ticket holders who rent spots to host tailgate parties.
But the 46 percent of other racegoers, who park outside the gates, take the train or are dropped off to enter the property through one of three general admission gates, will be subject to pat-downs and wand searches for alcohol, as they would be at other large sporting events, Torsilieri said.
The annual steeplechase horse races are a fundraiser for the Somerset Medical Centes that usually attracts about 40,000 attendees from nearby and from other states, including on trains from New York City.
Torsilieri said there is some discussion of selling alcohol in that lower section of the races through vendors, and in a far more controlled fashion.
But he said that idea is merely a possibility, while the Far Hills Race Association, in tandem with Somerset Medical Center, has made a definite decision to ban on outside alcohol at the gates.
"You can no longer fill up your little red wagon and bring in cases of vodka and beer," Torsilieri said, referring to what have been large quantities of alcohol brought in by some racegoers.
At this point, the plan is to allow general admission ticket holders to consume alcohol only if they are invited to a tailgate or tented catered party on the other side of the race area, Torsilieri said.
While the Far Hills Race Association is well within rights to make such a decision, how do you think that the partial ban will affect the races? Do you think attendance will drop? If some people leave, will others want to come to a less alcohol-oriented event?
And is really fair to punish all adults, who spend a lot of money to bring food, accompanied perhaps by wine, because of the behavior of some? Or should the rules be enforced more stringently for those who drink to excess and act inappropriately?
Do you think perhaps some groups will save up for a tailgate spot, sold further up the hill, and sidestep the prohibition?
Let us know in the poll below and in the comments section.
Skip
12:09 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I think this resolution might help. I'm assuming the majority of people arrested for acting stupid during the Hunt are not local residents. I've been attending the Hunt for roughly 35 years. Things are a lot different now then they were 35 years ago. I would guess that currently, half the attendees don't even know there is horse racing going on. Children in general are far more disrespectful then they were back then and for some reason parents are far more likely to allow their children to drink alcohol in excess at this event. It use to be a respectable horse event. Actually, back in the day there were even pony races prior to the professional races where local kids could race on the course for trophy's. You went to the Hunt for the horse racing. Back then you never saw someone so drunk they couldn't stand and you never saw teenagers falling down drunk. It really has evolved into, for lack of a better description, a drunk fest. Quite frankly, its amazing there are only a couple dozen arrests each year.
Linda Sadlouskos
3:57 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Yes, Skip, I've had people tell me they remember when they were among local kids participating in pony races. I get the impression that the Hunt was more of a "local" event many years ago. But there are many nice things about it still, including the contest among area residents to sing the National Anthem.
l m
12:41 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
If laws that I assume are already on the books, ie. underage drinking violations, causing public disorder, parents serving underage children, etc. were enforced, the event would get a reputation for not being a place to behave in such a way. But it seems that instead of taking that tact,it is easier to place this ban in place and the organizers can pat themselves on the back at "taking action". I have had a Patron spot at the Hunt for over 30 years, have had no incidents, and I am seriously considering not renewing. I am tired of being told what responsible people can or cannot do based on the actions of those less law abiding.
pat wry
2:17 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
The Race Meeting has devolved into a classless drunkathon.
Robert Young
8:22 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
Yes, drinking is not needed at this great event. Eat good food's, meet people and watch the race. Alcohol is one of the worst things to do and then drive.
Voltaire
10:47 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
I too lament for the old days. Our family used to go every year, now, with all the booze, we just drive by in the afternoon to laugh at the mud covered drunks falling down in the street. Really a shame. Don't get me wrong, when we had our parking spot we'd bring some beer and wine, but it wasn't all about drinking. Our children have been asking about going again. With this new rule in effect we might just go back this year.
Jeanne K.
12:15 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
How sad it is to come down to this and to wonder why they called them "the good old days!
NewToBaskingRidge
1:31 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
I wonder if the reason for this isn't partially to make more money. People were trying to save the $30 parking fee by getting dropped off with a cooler. This will force more people to pay for parking in order to get their alcohol into the event.
I have been invited to this event for years by friends but I never attended it. Has it gotten younger and more out of control in recent years?
AJY
8:14 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013
They certainly don't need to add more tailgating spots. All those spots past 1200 is especially where things get out of control. Nor do they need to sell tickets all over the state. I remember having to go to the hospital to buy tickets 20 years ago. If tickets weren't sold in places like Hoboken, you would have less of the out of state drunks that people complain about. I have to add that the new family section is far tamer and a very nice way to take your kids and have a wonderful day at the races.
Elizabeth Landau Lawrence
3:34 pm on Sunday, March 31, 2013
I M you are absolutely right if the rules that are clearly spelled out in the race guidelines were enforced the new pat downs would not be necessary. The number of people that the "college kids" squeeze into a space, loud speakers and drinking games were enforced that would definitely help curb the rowdy behavior. I love having a tailgate complete with champagn. C u in October ELL