Police are reminding racegoers of the strict alcohol restrictions in place this weekend as Operation Mawson continues at the Bathurst 1000.
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The Supercars ultimate endurance race, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, began with practice laps on Thursday, with the main event taking place from 11.10am on Sunday.
Operation Mawson has been launched to ensure the safety and security of more than 200,000 people expected to descend on Mount Panorama, including competitors, officials and spectators over the four-day event.
General Duties police attached to Chifley Local Area Command and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Mawson Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, reminded racegoers of the strict alcohol restrictions in place throughout the event.
“While the race has certainly shifted in recent years to a more family-friendly event, there are still some who drink to excess and spoil the event for others,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“We want the Bathurst 1000 to be an incident-free weekend, so anyone who chooses to break the law or create issues for other racegoers by behaving badly, you’ll be caught and dealt with swiftly.”
“That’s why we will maintain a highly-visible presence, focusing on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled crime, and to ensure strict alcohol restrictions are adhered to.”
Each adult is restricted to bringing one of the following items into the event each day, which will be enforced by police and event security.
- One carton of full strength beer or full strength premixed drinks in cans only (24 can); OR
- One carton of mid strength beer (30 cans); OR
- One cask of wine (up to four litres); OR
- One bottle of spirits (750ml – plastic bottle only).
Glass is also strictly prohibited from the campgrounds, which includes jars.
“I’d like to remind all racegoers that police can confiscate alcohol without warning and ask you to dispose of your alcohol,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“We want everyone to enjoy the event, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly and think before you drink.”
Police, with assistance from event security and drug-detection dogs, will also be conducting vehicle searches as racegoers enter the grounds.
“If you are caught in possession of prohibited drugs or while using prohibited drugs you are committing a serious offence and can expect to be arrested, charged and immediately ejected from the venue, or refused entry,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“I’d also like to remind attendees that drones are not permitted inside the event footprint. The use of drones can be a serious safety hazard given the number of racegoers making their way around Mount Panorama and the multiple viewing areas, and they can be seized by police.
“To those who try to bring excess alcohol into the venue, or conceal alcohol in their vehicle, I can tell you now that you will be intercepted by police and the alcohol will be confiscated,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“We want the Bathurst 1000 to be an incident-free weekend, so anyone who chooses to break the law or create issues for other racegoers by behaving badly, you’ll be caught and dealt with swiftly.”
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed across the weekend to ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“With thousands of extra cars on the road this weekend we’re urging all motorists to be extremely vigilant with their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“Officers will be conducting random drug and alcohol tests, so I urge people to behave responsibility and think about the consequences of your actions.”
