Security At Cambridge Strawberry Fair
1 June 2011, 14:02 | Updated: 1 June 2011, 14:22
Police are limiting the amount of alcohol people can take to the Stawberry Fair on Cambridge's Midsummer Common on Saturday.
It's one of several security measures that will be in place this weekend.
Last year's event was cancelled because of police concerns over drug and alcohol use, and past fairs have been blighted by reports of anti-social behaviour.
This year, the new security measures include a policy limiting the amount of alcohol can take onto Midsummer Common to no more than four cans of beer or equivalent per person.
No spirits are allowed, neither is glass.
Security staff will be searching people they suspect are carrying illegal or prohibited items, and police sniffer dogs will be on standby to detect anyone who tries to bring drugs into the fair.
Anyone caught urinating in a public place, which has happened during previous fairs, will be given an £80 on the spot fine.
In addition, camping and BBQs are not allowed on Midsummer Common on Saturday.
These measures are all part of a drive by Cambridgeshire Police and the event organisers to make the fair more family-focused with a focus on the arts, community and family entertainment this year.
Chief Inspector Dave Sargent, in charge of the community policing operation, said: "The Strawberry Fair Committee, working with the police and council, has established strict entrance guidelines to prevent the fair from being spoiled and minimise disruption to local residents.
Alcohol or drug misuse and criminal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
All entrances will be staffed by stewards organised by the Strawberry Fair and local officers will be on hand to support the fair organisers' to ensure these measures are adhered to."
Justin Argent, chair of the Strawberry Fair Committee said: "This year we are promoting responsible drinking and encouraging our visitors to engage with the activities we are putting on, the message is that you do not need to get excessively drunk to enjoy yourself.
To reflect this we are limiting the amount of alcohol that can be brought onto the site to 4 cans (no glass bottles) and no spirits."