Beach Hop

Sorry - I did it again! I agree that it is dumb that we had to change the rules. It is a shame that we can't have a few beers and watch the cars cruising. But as the others have pointed out, drinking got out of hand last year and as a result the Police and Council insisted that for the event to continue, there would be a Liqour Ban. So we just have to live with that...... and we had one back in 2003 as it was a long weekend! As the Event Organisers, our asses get put on the line every year and if anything goes wrong, then we are the ones who pay the price. The Police, Council and Whangamata Community, where we live, will be after us to hang us out to dry...... Therefore we will do whatever it takes to ensure that the Festival is a fun, safe place everyone - you, us and the Police. GOOD PEOPLE=GOOD ATTITUDE=GOOD FUN. Thanks for the support! Noddy

First all it is great to see so many younger people working on and appreciating old cars! Fantastic...... But some of the comments on this thread concern us. As the organisers of the Beach Hop we want to make a few things VERY clear. The Beach Hop is a celebration of the 50's & 60's and includes the music, fashion, dancing, culture, bikes AND cars of the era. If you aren't into any of that then please don't bother coming. The event is open to Pre-1972 vehicles of any make or origin - as they are part of the era that the festival recognises. HOWEVER YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER! You will not be permitted into the Main Street closed area from 5pm Friday night until 2am Sunday if you don't have a registration sticker on your vehilce. Registration closes around 15th April. You can not turn up and enter. No sticker - no cruises. There is a TOWN WIDE Liquor Ban from 9am Friday 28th April until 9am 1st May. Just like New Year - if you get caught drinking in any public place - street/road, footpath or reserve then you will be locked up. There are 50 extra Police in Town for the weekend. Plus Waikato Security and an Army squad. There will be Polcie Road Blocks at Whiritoa and Kopu on Friday & Saturday. Any entrant doing a skid will have their details handed to the Police and banned from future events. Vehicles will be locked up un the "Boy Racer" law. This is clearly spelt out on our website http://www.beachhop.co.nz Play by the rules and you will have a GREAT weekend. Cheers, Noddy Watts Beach Hop Central