This year’s Harden Picnic Races is set to be one of the safest Picnic races yet according to Licensing Coordinator for the Cootamundra Local Area Command, Senior Constable Greg Carroll who has said that fortunately the licensee of this year’s Harden Picnic Races has agreed to sell only mid strength beer and spirits which he says will certainty go a long way to reduce the levels of alcohol related violence.

“It’s all about trying to allow the majority of people to enjoy the day by helping to reduce any problems and ensure that the whole event runs smoothly.”

“Unfortunately whenever alcohol is introduced to an event you start to have a lot of issues, and we have identified that there has been a lot of alcohol related issues over the years with the Harden Picnics especially after the races when everyone then travels into the township” , Senior Constable Carroll said.

“We basically just want to minimise any chances of dramas and ensure that everyone who attends has a good time.”

The changes at the Harden Picnic Races will see the whole area become a licensed venue, no BYO will be allowed and no glass will be allowed either and everyone over 18 will need to produce ID to obtain a wristband to allow them to purchase alcohol and people under 18 will need to remain in the company of a responsible adult whilst inside the licensed area.

All the Clubs and Pubs in Harden have agreed to close the doors at 7pm on Saturday night with last drinks being called at 6.30pm at both the racecourse and the pubs and clubs in town. For the pubs and clubs in town to remained open for the races they would have needed to employ multiple security guards, as directed by the Licensing Sargent to stay open, which for many of the establishments would have meant the extra costs would reduce profits for the night. They would have also been running a risk of being fined heavily to the tune of $1100 per person found over intoxicated on their premises.