Businesses in Canberra expect to suffer again on Melbourne Cup day tomorrow because of the public holiday.
Australian Hotels Association ACT general manager Steven Fanner said this year, the third year ''the race that stops the nation'' has been a public holiday in Canberra, would also be the third time the hospitality industry faced an ''unmitigated disaster''. His members had come to rely on the annual thoroughbred horse race day as one of the year's busiest in terms of trade, but, ''most of our members can't even justify opening their doors due to the lack of business, directly because of the public holiday''.
The ACT Chamber of Commerce also expressed fears for trade in the territory tomorrow.
Chief executive Chris Peters said as social events in workplaces decreased due to many employees departing on holiday, businesses such as restaurants and catering companies ''suffered considerably''.
Additionally, some businesses struggled to get staff to work today as many people sought to make it a four-day weekend.
Mr Fanner and Mr Peters embraced the ACT Government's decision to move the public holiday, Family and Community Day, to a different date. Mr Peters anticipated a considerable boost for business next year when the holiday would instead be on the first Monday of the September and October school holidays September 27, 2010.
Unlike other businesses, Thoroughbred Park in Canberra is expected to fare well on race day. Spokeswoman Briony Young said a fair crowd was expected more than 9000 tickets had been printed as of yesterday, though this figure includes trainers and owners. Corporate tents and $300 trackside picnic tables had been booked out weeks in advance.
''With the beautiful weather we've been having for the last couple of days, it's going to be perfect.''
Canberra's fashionistas (and fashionable gentlemen) are champing at the bit to prove they have what it takes in the Fashions on the Field events for women, men and couples. Ms Young said women were keen to use the day as a preview of what to wear ahead of the Canberra Cup.
This year, a contest has been created for fashion-savvy wall flowers who know how to look impeccable on a race course but would rather not take a turn on the catwalk. The Myer Lady and Gentleman of the day will be picked out of the crowd and receive prizes.
Police are warning revellers to be on their best behaviour tomorrow.
ACT Policing acting superintendent Dennis Gellatly said officers would have a high-visibility presence at the event and would conduct random and targeted breath-testing.
Police were aware of the flow-on effect of parties leaving the event and moving into Civic and other venues. ''It is timely to remind people to enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of social responsibility and orderly behaviour.
''Police will not tolerate public drunkenness and anti-social behaviour which detracts from the enjoyment of other people at the event.''
Revellers were asked to consider the after effects come Wednesday morning when driving to work.
For more information about Melbourne Cup day in Canberra: thoroughbredpark.com.au