Refusing Access to Funfair Rides
For many of us, a trip to the funfair is a cherished memory from childhood, filled with the excitement of rides, the taste of candy floss, and the thrill of winning prizes at the fairground side stalls. However, almost everyone has faced the disappointment of being refused access to a funfair ride at some point - especially when they were too short to ride!
While it may have seemed unfair or upsetting at the time, there are several important reasons behind these decisions, all aimed at ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests. We look at some of the most common reasons below.
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Height and Size Restrictions: One of the most common reasons for being turned away is not meeting the height requirement. Funfair rides - not just thrill rides but even children's fairground rides - often have minimum height limits to ensure that passengers are safely contained within the ride. Similarly, there can be maximum size limits to ensure that safety restraints can be properly secured. These restrictions are to prevent injuries.
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Health and Safety Considerations: Funfair staff are trained to identify individuals who may be at risk if they use certain rides. This includes those with visible injuries or conditions, such as back or neck problems, heart conditions, or pregnant individuals. The intense movements or forces exerted by some rides can exacerbate these conditions, posing a significant risk to rider's health and safety.
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Inappropriate Behaviour: Guests behaving inappropriately or showing signs of aggression can also be refused access. Such behaviour can endanger all users of the ride as well as fairground staff. It's crucial for a fun and safe environment that all visitors respect the rules and each other.
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Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impairs judgment and physical coordination. Riding amusement devices in this state increases the risk of accidents for the individual affected as well as for everyone around them. Therefore, if you are visibly inebriated, you can expect to be refused entry to all your favourite rides. It might be best to save it for the evening!
While being refused can be disappointing, it's important to remember that these decisions are made with the best interests of all visitors in mind. Fairgrounds and amusement parks aim to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, which sometimes means making tough choices. Respecting the decisions of ride operators and understanding the reasons behind them helps maintain a positive atmosphere for all attendees.
Being turned away from a funfair ride is a rite of passage we've likely all experienced, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety in these environments. Next time you visit, remember these rules are for your benefit. Take refusals graciously, and help ensure that the fun continues for all!