With the Dundee July 2014 drawing closer, the authorities and organisers have cautioned those attending the event on July 19 that there will be strong restrictions on the unlawful consumption of alcohol.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to the horse-riding track for a day of traditional horse-riding, fashion and music.
The day includes a huge party, with traffic backing up Victoria Street by those eager to get to the venue. Under the theme ‘Freedom to Rein: Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy’, this year’s event will pull all the stops to showcase the glitz and glamour that have become an integral part of the event.
The Dundee July, which has become one of the major features in the provincial events calendar, was the brainchild of the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation, with Gold Circle, Umzinyathi District and Endumeni Local Municipalities as main partners. The KZN Liquor Board has warned the organisers that there will be strict enforcement of the rules for alcohol usage by the general public attending the race, as well as by patrons of the many hospitality marquees.
“In terms of the law, no spectators or patrons will be allowed to bring in their own liquor to the venue. All people and cars coming in will be subject to searches, and suspected alcoholic beverages confiscated,” said Bheki Ncube of the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.
“Equally, ‘picnicking’ and selling of liquor from the boots of cars and illegal vending tables will not be allowed.
“The holders of the hospitality marquees will also not be allowed to serve alcohol unless they have applied and been granted a special event liquor licence. This has to be applied for no less than two weeks before the event,” Mr Ncube said.
The organisers of different Dundee July pre-parties will also have to apply for a similar liquor licence unless such events are hosted at registered liquor serving venues and fall within the operating hours of the licence.
Meanwhile, strict controls will be applied to all aspects of the Dundee July race event to ensure a peaceful and safe event. Motorists have been asked to observe and obey special regulations relating to parking. Only permitted small businesses or vendors will be allowed to operate within the demarcated areas. They need to apply beforehand at the Endumeni Municipality, and only 100 spaces are available. No marquees will be allowed, only gazebos. Unregistered vendors will not be allowed.
For more information on booking a trading stand or a corporate hospitality facility, please contact event co-ordinator Mr Sandile Mbonane without delay by email on sandile.mbonane@kzndsr.gov.za, or telephone 033 897 9400.