This week Southern Dragways announced the cancellation of Thunder Sunday.
The event, held at Alexandra Airport, was organised by the Invercargill club and Kidsfirst Terrace Kindergarten in Alexandra as a fundraiser for both.
It was held for more than 10 years and attracted thousands of spectators on the first Sunday of the Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Southern Dragways president Rae Wilson said he was ''very disappointed'' it had to cancel the event.
It was told in November new legislation meant the event could not be bring-your-own alcohol as usual, and the club must apply for a liquor licence for a sectioned-off bar.
Whether there was a licensed booth, or the event was made alcohol-free, the club would incur a cost in security and a potential drop in numbers, he said.
''If we comply with all of the requirements there will be little, if any, profit. It means the end of an era.''
Alexandra man Jason McFadyen, who planned to race in the event, said the hurdles placed by police and the Central Otago District Council showed ''short-sightedness''.
''People can go to a random road and do burnouts and act like hooligans, or they can come here where it's controlled.''
Liam Donnelly, who helped organise the event on behalf of the kindergarten, said he did not blame police or the council, who ''were just enforcing legislation''.
''It was a really good event. There was just too much risk involved, so we thought we'd be better selling cakes and raffle tickets.''
It usually raised between $5000 and $10,000, he said.
In a statement yesterday, council planning and environment manager Louise van der Voort said it received a special licence application for the event, but it did not include a required alcohol management plan.
''Council has been in touch with the club and is waiting to hear back to progress the licence.
''This is not the decision of council or the agencies who are in support of the special licence.''
The event could not continue next year as the venue was experiencing increasing aircraft and development activity and had a reseal scheduled, she said.
Sergeant Derek Ealson, of Alexandra, said police were supportive of the community's events.
''Our message to the community is that we are not saying 'no' to alcohol. However, preventing harm from the significant risk that can be caused by the availability of alcohol at events is our priority.
''When applications are made to serve alcohol at community events, police work with local authorities and health departments to ensure the law is followed and the community is kept safe.''
