Armed police and high-visibility patrols will be the order of the day at Somerset Cricket Club for the annual Cup Match Classic.officers will also have a strong presence at night-time events expected to draw thousands over the four-day holiday weekend.Acting Chief Inspector Mark Clarke yesterday confirmed the Armed Response Unit would be on patrol at the club grounds and cricket fans would have to go through metal detectors to gain entry to the game.A host of major events are on tap over the holiday this year reggae singer Collie Buddz’ Barr’s Bay concert and BeachFest at Horseshoe Bay are both expected to draw thousands.Responding to questions by The Royal Gazette, Acting Ch Insp Clarke said: “We will be using the same amount of police officers that we’ve used in the past based on all our threat assessments.“There has been no information or intelligence to suggest that we would need armed officers there.”When asked if that translates into no armed officers on patrol at SCC he said: “For clarification, we already have an armed capability that is on duty. They will be in the area. They will be encouraged to patrol the grounds but they also have other functions.“The club has also contracted the services of a security company and cameras and extra CCTV coverage will be used in and around the grounds.“There will be various safety features to protect the public in place and that will include metal detectors at the gates as well as the ability to be stopped and searched on the grounds.”The Marine Police Unit is also expected to up to full strength for the Cup Match period.More on holiday policing will be released at a press conference today however a spokesman suggested there is more concern, based on police intelligence, about the crowds anticipated for the night-time events.Meanwhile, the Bermuda Police Service has joined forces with community partners to encourage revellers not to drink and drive.“The Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment will be on duty inside and outside the SCC grounds throughout the two days of Cup Match,” said Acting Ch Insp Clarke.“They will be directing traffic and conducting high-visibility patrols.”There will also be road traffic closures on Thursday and Friday with parking regulations in effect for surrounding ares of SCC.Motorists are advised to expect “delays travelling into and out of Somerset”.“We call upon the motoring public to exercise care, caution and courtesy whilst driving, especially when considering the high volume of collisions that occur on holidays,” said Acting Ch Insp Clarke.“Furthermore, we encourage members of the public not to drive if they have consumed any quantity of alcohol, even if they think they are below the legal limit. The approach by the public will go a long way to reduce road traffic collisions and keep our roads safe for everyone.“We would ask the public to consider your families, your friends throughout this Cup Match period and do your best not to spoil the holiday by drinking, driving and becoming a road traffic collision statistic.”Road Safety Council chairman Carlton Crockwell Sr urged motorists to be “mindful” of the speed limit and to ”fasten their seat belts, child seats and helmets securely and correctly”.“We must do these things not just because it may save a life — but because it will save lives,” said Mr Crockwell. “Our friends at CADA have provided ads and banners along our roads to remind everyone of their alternative choices for transport.”CADA chairman Anthony Santucci called on residents who plan to consume alcohol during the holiday period “to put plans in place before they leave home so they can return home safely”.To ensure that motorists get the message he said “signs and banners were put up around the Island” as a “visual reminder not to drink and drive”.“The message is simple, ‘ABCD’ — Always use a Bus, Cab or Designated Driver,” said Mr Santucci.Buses will be available to and from the game in Somerset on both days of Cup Match. Alternatively, residents were encouraged to “programme into their cell phones the phone number of a taxi company or taxi driver”, so when ready, they can call for transportation or, “select a designated driver”.“The important message is, if you plan to consume alcohol have a plan in place to get home safely,” he said.Mr Santucci noted that “these safety tips extend to those who are camping, picnicking and boating”.The issue of underage drinking was also raised.“Over the holiday period, there is usually a lot more alcohol easily available and consumed. I remind adults that it is harmful to give, buy or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18,” said Mr Santucci.“There is a lot of useful information and helpful tips for parents on how to talk to your children about not consuming alcohol at our website, cada.bm.”Acting Ch Insp Clarke said: “Measure have been put in place where ID will be demanded. There will be signs in place saying underage drinking is illegal. Any establishments or licensed premises found in breach of that are likely to face a court appearance, and there will also be a police presence at BeachFest.”