Alcohol to be allowed in most Neb. state parks

Post date: Sep 23, 2010 3:41:39 AM

By MARGERY A. BECK, Associated Press Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Gov. Dave Heineman approved a measure Wednesday to allow alcohol in state parks, except at Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska and state wildlife management areas.

Heineman's decision followed a May vote by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to lift a 15-year-old ban on drinking alcohol in state parks. Visitors will be allowed to imbibe starting Jan. 1.

The ban dated to 1995 and stemmed from complaints of alcohol-fueled parties and violence, especially at Lake McConaughy near Ogallala. Opponents argued it penalized responsible adults and cost Nebraska revenue that went to other states, while the ban's backers said it cut rowdiness and noise and increased safety.

Heineman gathered public opinion on the matter throughout the summer, and said in July that he met with people on both sides. He said then that the majority he met were OK with lifting the ban at Lake McConaughy if there was adequate law enforcement, but most told him they do not believe there is enough law enforcement there.

"The strongest opposition has been at Lake McConaughy," Heineman said Wednesday. "Citizens want our parks to be family friendly ... but also want to be able to drink at park restaurants, at receptions and while fishing."

Heineman said authorities will more closely monitor the parks to ensure alcohol restrictions are followed, and that the Game and Parks Commission has the authority to rescind alcohol privileges at any park where repeated and significant violations of the rules occur.

"Plain and simple, if park guests act irresponsibly, then patrons of that park will lose their privilege to consume alcohol in a responsible manner," Heineman said.

Besides the continued ban at Lake McConaughy and wildlife management areas, other restrictions will also apply. Alcohol consumption will be barred in designated swimming areas, on roads, in parking lots and in certain other marked areas. Drinking will be forbidden between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the quiet hours at public campgrounds. Also, alcohol in containers larger than a gallon will not be allowed.

State Game and Parks Commission Director Rex Amack said the commission never intended to allow drinking at state wildlife management areas, where "there are guns and hunting."

Amack said he didn't know what effect lifting the ban could have on state park attendance. But, he said, "I do know that some people don't attend parks because of the alcohol ban."

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