Just found this:
21. No alcohol, drugs, or firearms are permitted on Fair property.
http://www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org/rules-regulations.pdf
Here we go again :banghead:
I do not see an exemption for prescription medication either.
So, who exactly is claiming this authority?
The fair is put on by the Chesterfield County Fair Association. Their VA corporate ID is 0101459-6, and their most recent annual report is
here.
If the Association is indeed a private entity, and the fairgrounds (a/k/a, "Bird Park") is being leased to them, then as I understand it they would have the authority to set whatever rules they'd like.
If the Association is authorized by municipal code or receives money from the county or another subdivision of the Commonwealth, then they would not be able to set rules in violation of state law.
Either way, the sign I posted appears to be permanently attached to the building - that doesn't suggest that it is a policy put in place by someone leasing the facility for the week. I also noticed that while the midway had similar signs prohibiting alcohol and wheel vehicles, those signs were free-standing and used a different font and color scheme. I assume those were the property of the amusement company that handles the rides and such.
So. How do we proceed here? The fair is going on until Saturday I believe. I'd be happy to drive back down there Friday night to see if I'm denied entry, posted signs notwithstanding.