DNR considers banning alcohol from beaches

[cigaretteman]

Alcohol could be banned from state beaches under a new rule proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources this week.

The agency claims that excessive drinking on multiple state beaches “threaten the safety of the general public and personnel,” according to a Tuesday news release.

Under the proposed ban, consumption of alcohol would not be permitted on the sand or fenced-in area of a beach; in the adjacent designated swimming area; or within a 200-foot land buffer surrounding the sand or fenced-in area.

Rental facilities that are within that buffer that are formally reserved through the DNR would not be subject to the ban, however.

The state agency wants the public to "informally" comment on a draft of the rule, though a link to the actual text of the rule was not made immediately available. Public can submit comments by calling Jessica Manken with the DNR at 515-725-8488 or email her at Jessica.Manken@dnr.iowa.gov.

The public comment period closes Monday, Dec. 21.

Todd Coffelt, chief of the state parks bureau with the DNR, did not immediately return a request for comment.

http://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2015/12/15/dnr-considers-banning-alcohol-beaches/77365514/

 

[The Tradition]

Iowa beaches? Is that like Florida mountains?

 

[JRHawk2003]

The Lake McBride beach got pretty bad including some brawls last summer. It doesn't surprise me.

 

[IACub]

Typical overreaction. Punish everyone because a few d-bags can't act like adults.

 

[TexMichFan]

The approved DNR rental facilities approve of this regulation.

 

[Trevor4Iowa]

Typical overreaction. Punish everyone because a few d-bags can't act like adults.

I agree to some extent, but what if you had your kids there watching people fight and swear while drunk? I don't hate alcohol or people that drink, but i hate dumb drunks.

 

[IACub]

I agree to some extent, but what if you had your kids there watching people fight and swear while drunk? I don't hate alcohol or people that drink, but i hate dumb drunks.

Totally agree, but why not hold those drunk a-holes responsible instead of taking away everyone's privileges. Also, I don't have kids, but I worked in the bar industry in a prior life. We didn't stop selling beer when a few drunks got in a fight - we just made them leave.

 

[The_Joker13]

I agree to some extent, but what if you had your kids there watching people fight and swear while drunk? I don't hate alcohol or people that drink, but i hate dumb drunks.

Think of the children! JFC, can't shield them from everything in this life unless you plan on keeping them locked up in a basement. DNR needs to do their damn job and take care of the few a holes that are causing problems.

 

[h-hawk]

Did anyone see the story on the bars in Indianapolis when the Iowans came to town? Some bars actually ran out of alcohol! Sounds like some Iowa drinkers need an intervention.

 

[Trevor4Iowa]

Totally agree, but why not hold those drunk a-holes responsible instead of taking away everyone's privileges. Also, I don't have kids, but I worked in the bar industry in a prior life. We didn't stop selling beer when a few drunks got in a fight - we just made them leave.

I agree they should be punished, but it seems to continue and get worse.

People don't show good judgment with alcohol or in groups and in a public family space like a beach or other park why do we always need booze?

A bar is different because adults go in there knowing some of the issues that can occur and understand that it is an establishment meant to sell alcohol.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

There aren't enough DNR to do their job thus the proposal to ban alcohol all together. They'll have a hard time even enforcing the alcohol ban but at least it will prevent heavy drinkers from drinking out in the open.

 

[icu81222]

The nanny state continues.

We know best. We want to and will control as many aspects of people's lives as we possibly can.

 

[linkshero]

The DNR is a complete joke, and they get away with it because nobody cares.

About the only thing they have not eliminated from 'their' beaches, is ecoli, pesticides, and white trash.

 

[hawkcub]

So DNR rentals are good to drink in and the public comment time comes out in December. A time going to the beach is far from people minds. Doesn't pass the smell test.

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

Where does Iowa have a beach?? Indiana has a beach on Lake Michigan, a small one but we have one. Where does Iowa have a beach?

 

[Pinehawk]

Just move the DNR office space to the beach so the Park Ranger can keep an eye on things. Then, just enforce the existing laws. They are just looking for the easy solution. But, it sounds like the decision has already been made, they just had to back up and pretend like they'll listen to public comment before they implement the ban.

 

[CadetHawk]

There are beaches at many lakes in Iowa. The Coralville Reservoir used to be a great time. I am pretty sure they banned alcohol there in the early 2000's.

 

[linkshero]

Where does Iowa have a beach?? Indiana has a beach on Lake Michigan, a small one but we have one. Where does Iowa have a beach?

I don't know, I would guess they are near water? I bet you could Google earth it if it's really bothering you. Unless that is just your passive aggressive way of saying that Indiana has far superior beaches than Iowa, which, although likely, isn't saying a whole lot.

I bet we could get SP to offer some opinion on the topic.

 

[LuteHawk]

Iowa had some man-made "lakes" which are now history.
Outside of DeWitt, Iowa we once had Crystal Lake with
beach, cabins, etc. It was finally allowed to dry up and
and filled in.

Bottom Line: Iowa does not attract tourists because of
our beaches. We attract tourists due to Kinnick Stadium
in Iowa City

 

[Run&Blade]

Put your beer in a kayak a couple feet off shore and stand in the water to drink.

Assuming you can drink on boats.

 

[Titanhawk2]

I believe most county run beaches have been alcohol free for years, such as Palo.

 

[naturalmwa]

Iowa had some man-made "lakes" which are now history.
Outside of DeWitt, Iowa we once had Crystal Lake with
beach, cabins, etc. It was finally allowed to dry up and
and filled in.

Bottom Line: Iowa does not attract tourists because of
our beaches. We attract tourists due to Kinnick Stadium
in Iowa City

Now you want me to believe Iowa has tourists? This thread is a little deluded.

 

[BondHawk]

Typical overreaction. Punish everyone because a few Mexicans here illegally can't act like adults.

FIFY

 

[IACub]

FIFY

No, I don't think that's what I was trying to say.

 

[BondHawk]

No, I don't think that's what I was trying to say.

Maybe not, but that's who was involved.