Gold fish and toy guns under scrutiny at Thame fair

THAME Town Council is not happy about goldfish being offered as prizes at the town’s fair, due in September and October.

A report presented to the town council’s Policy and Resources committee last night (18/05/10) said that whilst it is legal for a goldfish to be given as a prize, it is illegal for a goldfish prize to be given to persons under the age of 16 who are not accompanied by an adult. The report continued:

“The RSPCA does not recommend the use of any animal as a prize as it causes unnecessary stress and suffering. Fair arrangements at Witney and St Giles concur with Thame’s agreement.”

TOY GUNS

Toys guns also came under scutiny by town councillors. They have agreed with local police that any toy guns to be presented as prizes at the fair must be considered at a pre-fair meeting where the police will decide which items are obviously toys and therefore acceptable as prizes.

PUNCH BAGS

The use of punch bags at the fair is also to be restricted because, says the council: “They have been found to encourage aggressive behaviour within the fair environment.

“Security personnel and Guild Stewards must agree to enforce any requirements for closing down or removal from the site of the punch bags should problems arise from their use. This type of amusement is out of place at the October Fair and the restriction remains for that event.”

ACTIONS AGREED

The committee agreed that goldfish may be offered as a prize on condition that legal requirements are followed, and that punch bags may be located at two sites within the September fair, subject to close monitoring, but must be removed immediately if requested to do so by the Police or a council officer.

IMAGE: For illustrative purposes only (Courtesy of home-and-garden.webshots.com