New Regulations to Curb Alcohol at Far Hills Race Meeting

After a , the association has introduced new alcohol policies for the 2013 event.

About 40,000 people attended the 2012 event, which saw 25 arrests for theft, disorderly conduct and assault, among others, as well as charges of underage drinking.

The Far Hills Race Meeting Association announced the new alcohol policies Tuesday. The new measures, according to a release, were put together with input from Far Hills Borough and police officers to take a zero tolerance approach of the event.

The new policies:

• Those with general admission tickets coming through the pedestrian gates will not be allowed to bring in alcohol, and spectators will be subject to metal detectors and searches.
• Only those with reserved parking spots, tent holders and registered caterers will be allowed to bring alcohol on the premises for their private parties.
• Caterers must register with the Far Hills Race Meeting Association in advance, and unregistered deliveries of alcohol will not be allowed.
• Buses must register with the Far Hills Race Meeting Association before the event.
• Those who are visibly intoxicated will not be allowed to enter the grounds.

"The safety of spectators has always been a top priority for the Far Hills Race Meeting Association," Guy Torsilieri, co-chairman of the association, said in the release.

"Following concerns raised at last year's event, we worked closely with the Borough of Far Hills and law enforcement over the past six months to evaluate the event's policies and institute new measures that will ensure the safe continuation of this much loved and anticipated tradition."

The organizers of the event, the release said, are also planning to work with New Jersey Transit on strategies, and updates will be coming at a later date.

DUI laws will be strictly enforced by police, the release said, and failure to comply with any of the new rules will result in removal from the grounds.

Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone said in the release that the changes are expected to improve the experience.

"The Far Hills Borough Council applauds the changes made by race organizers to better control the alcohol-related issues that have taken place in recent years," he said. "With these improvements, we are hopeful that the event will continue without incident for the community of race-goers and families who come out each year in support of Somerset Medical Center."

The 93rd Far Hills Race Meeting will be held Oct. 19 at Morrland Farms.