Race goers at this year’s Grand National will be restricted in buying alcohol as part of an industry-wide attempt to curb bad behaviour.
The three-day evening at Aintree Racecourse has remained largely trouble-free but racing bosses are keen to avoid the ugly scenes witnessed at other festivals.
Last year’s Cheltenham Festival hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons after footballers from MK Dons were accused of throwing glasses of urine over a balcony.
Two women, one hailing from Merseyside, were also seen exposing their breasts to photographers in the hospitality area during the event.
In a bid to avoid the scenes from Cheltenham being repeated at this year’s Grand National, Aintree chiefs have signed up to The Jockey Club’s initiative.
It means that race goers will be restricted to obtaining four alcoholic drinks at a time while free ‘water stations’ will be available to help people stay hydrated.
Aintree managing director John Baker confirmed that staff will also hand out bottles of water to punter as they leave the venue at the end of each of day.
“The Randox Health Grand National is an opportunity to enjoy the best of jump racing in a fantastic sporting arena with a unique atmosphere,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“We wish for everyone to have an excellent customer experience and as part of this we are continuing to be proactive with our policies towards responsible drinking.
“As per last year, in public bar areas a customer will be able to purchase a maximum of four drinks per transaction and free water stations will be provided at every bar.
“Trained service staff will continue to refuse to serve alcohol to anyone at their discretion and entry will be refused to anyone intoxicated and alcohol prohibited from being brought into the enclosures.
“No alcohol can be taken off-site and complimentary bottled water will also be available at the exits.
“This all forms part of a wider responsible drinking policy at the event and racecourses in Britain already promote the Pace Yourself initiative formed through a partnership between the Racecourse Association and Drinkaware.”