University of Virginia Library

Liquor Entry Barred
By Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, KY., (CD Release)
— The Churchill Downs
Board of Directors announced
recently that no one will be
permitted to bring alcoholic beverages
onto the grounds in the
future.

The decision, made at the
Board's December meeting, will
have its greatest effect on Derby
Day. It has been customary on
this day that many in the crowd
of 100,000 bring their own beer
and liquor to the track, particularly
those in the infield.

"We really don't have any
other choice than this action,"
Churchill Downs President Wathen
Knebelkamp said. "A continuing
rise in rowdyism, especially
among members of the younger
set, in the infield has simply
forced us to do this.

"We do not in any way want to
kill the picnic atmosphere of the
infield on Derby Day. We still
want people to bring their picnic
lunches with them.

"Nothing has changed, except
that you will no longer be permitted
to bring alcoholic beverages
onto the grounds," Mr.
Knebelkamp said.

The Board took the action because
of complaints from the
general public concerning the apparent
lack of temperance among
some of the tremendous crowd
in the infield. Governmental and
law enforcement officials also
requested that the move be made
in order to aid them with their
problems.