By BRIAN HATYOKA –

THE Southern Tourism, Agriculture and Commercial Show Society (STACSS) has banned the selling of alcoholic drinks at this year’s provincial premier event to curb underage beer drinking.
Cases of underage beer drinking were rampant at last year’s show with various stakeholders calling for a stop to the selling of beer within the premises.
STACSS Secretary Barnwell Mwila said this year’s show, which will be held at the Livingstone show grounds from July 21 to 24, 2016, under the theme ‘Managing growth for environment’, would strictly not allow the sale of alcohol within the premises.
In a response to a press query in Livingstone yesterday, Mr Mwila said the ban would help to stop underage drinking.
“Last year, a survey was conducted from selected exhibitors by a private organisation and among the recommendations was the ban of the sale of alcohol during the show.
“We are calling on exhibitors and restaurant owners to help in adhering to this rule,” Mr Mwila said.
He said the organisers for this year’s show had out-sourced a playground as a better alternative to the youths.
Mr Mwila said this year’s provincial event would have various activities that would cater for both children and the youth.
“We have out-sourced the playground from Events Hire to manage it and we are encouraging parents to come with their children,” he said.
“We have included things like Big wheel merry-go-round, jumping castles of various kinds and sizes, mobile water pools of various sizes, mini train, motor bikes, face painting, ferry rides, Go-cart and many others,” Mr Mwila said.
He said STACSS anticipated a 10 per cent increase in participation at this year’s show.
“In 2015, we had 180 exhibitors and we are expecting to have 200 exhibitors this year and on show goers, we expect 10,000 people to pass through the gates,” Mr Mwila said.
STACSS also anticipates an increase of 10 per cent at this year’s show from last year’s income.