Perth Show stewards to keep boozers in check

Aug 6 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STEWARDS will patrol the hospitality section at the 2010Perth Show for the first time in the event’s 148-year history after police raised concerns over “rowdy and drunken” antics last year.

The revelation came to light as businessman Gilbert Thomson appeared before the Perth and Kinross licensing board asking for the temporary paperwork needed to run the beer tent, restaurant and members’ area at the two-day South Inch showpiece, which began today.

Tayside Police Inspector David Hunter told the meeting more needed to be done to keep drink-fuelled revellers frequenting the marquee in check on one of the busiest days in the Fair City’s social calendar.

He said: “Last year, our officers had to spend a considerable amount of time patrolling the area preventing rowdy and drunken behaviour.

“Supervising officers said patrons were unsteady on their feet and had to be escorted from the arena to ensure they didn’t come to harm.

“We are not resistant to the temporary licence, but we feel that conditions should be imposed to avoid a repeat of last year.

“We would certainly ask for some form of stewarding to be implemented, for a supervisor to be available on-site, and a policy on crowd dispersal introduced.”

Speaking on behalf of his client, solicitor Peter Stewart said Mr Thomson was unaware of any problems at last year’s event – despite being present both days.

He said: “Mr Thomson is arranging for two qualified stewards to be placed on the door of the public tent, and another one to stand alongside a games director at the members’ area entrance.”

Mr Stewart also stressed that those under 18, or older patrons clearly under the influence, “will never be sold alcohol under any circumstances.”

Defending his client, Mr Thomson assured board members: “The show is only once a year, and local people within the agricultural industry are out to have a good time.

“But there was absolutely no trouble within the marquee last year. We deal with young farmers on a regular basis and, while they may be a bit loud, we’ve never had any cause to worry.”

Mr Thomson’s application asked for the hospitality marquee to operate from 11am until 8pm on both Friday and Saturday.

“They might still be judging the cattle and sheep until around 5pm on the Saturday, and the stockmen will not come in for a drink or some food until they’ve finished,” he said.

Although the bid for a licence was granted, board members decreed that the social focal point should only be operational between 11am and 6pm over the weekend.

A raft of other clauses were also imposed to take into account the points raised by Tayside Police, the main one being that a minimum of three stewards should be deployed until half an hour after the venue closes.