THIS Saturday is Young Picnic Race Day and while the day will hold much enjoyment and entertainment for everyone, racegoers are being urged to heed the rules on alcohol consumption.

Strictly no alcohol is to be brought onto the race track and anyone attempting to do so will be turned back.

A licensed bar will operate at the race course, and corporate tents must have an RSA accredited staff serving all alcohol.

Uniformed and plain clothed police as well as security staff will patrol the race course throughout the day.

Courtesy buses will run from the Empire Hotel from 11.30am on Saturday morning until after the last race is completed. The buses will be attended by security staff and no alcohol will be permitted on board.

As part of the Young Liquor Accord’s working within the tough new liquor laws in place this year, there will be a lock out from all licensed premises from 10pm on Saturday night.

Hotels will be trading later, however patrons not inside by the 10pm curfew will not be permitted in.

“We are attempting to curb anti-social behaviour assoiciated with drinking,” Scott Kennedy from the Mill Tavern explained.

“If there is alcohol related trouble associated with the races, eventually we will lose the event altogether which would be a tragedy.

“If everyone enjoys the day responsibly, then the Picnics can thrive and the great social event remain on the calendar for years to come,” Mr Kennedy said.