Police To Crack Down On Underage Drinking At Far Hills Horse Race

FAR HILLS, NJ — State, county and local law enforcement officers will be cracking down on underage drinking at this year’s Far Hills Steeplechase on Oct. 21.

In the past four years, police report making at least more than 30 arrests annually. Last year, police arrested 35 people; in 2015, 35 people were arrested; in 2014, 36 arrests were made and in 2013, 55 people were arrested.

Out of the 35 people arrested in 2016, 17 were underage. The charges varied from public urination, underage drinking, disorderly conduct and more.

• See Related: 35 Arrests Made at Far Hills Steeplechase

This year the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, in partnership with New Jersey State Police, race event organizers, New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Far Hills will be conducting identification checks of underage individuals suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages on the race grounds.

Anyone that is identified as underage will be taken into custody, charged and ultimately will have to be released to a non-intoxicated adult, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Michael Robertson said.

Additionally, anyone entering the event who is visibly intoxicated will be denied entry. And anyone over the age of 21 will get an identification wrist band. If an someone is observed drinking alcohol and does not have a wrist band, they will be required to show identification to law enforcement, otherwise they will be escorted off the property, Robertson said.

Officers will also be conducting roving patrols throughout the day on the race grounds to check if anyone is highly intoxicated and being disruptive. Anyone found to be causing a disturbance, endangering the safety and welfare of others, or otherwise not complying with this initiative, will be escorted from the property, Robertson said.

"The Far Hills Race Meeting is one of the oldest traditions that takes place each fall here in Somerset County," Robertson said. "I have attended the race myself over many years and have enjoyed the people and great atmosphere; however, law enforcement, as well as the Far Hills Race Meeting committee, are concerned about the underage drinking that exists at this event. This year we are taking a new approach in an effort to curtail the abuse of alcohol by minors and provide a safe atmosphere for all the attendees.”

The annual race draws about 35,000 fans each fall. To help with this initiative, Race organizer Guy Torsilieri says the committee has partnered with a ride-sharing company to help patrons get home safely.

“In past years, we have made significant strides in curtailing alcohol abuse at our event,” Torsilieri said. “But with underage drinking on the rise, particularly at events that draw significant numbers of college-aged visitors, we are determined to ensure that our event remains a fun, family event to be enjoyed by all.”

(Image via Shutterstock)

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