The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is calling for ideas to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents happening on beaches at state parks and recreation areas. A press release issued Tuesday stated the DNR was seeking public input on a proposal to BAN alcohol at the beaches, but the agency issued a clarification hours later. DNR spokesperson Kevin Baskins says the all-out “booze ban” is just one option….
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In June of this year, the DNR changed the hours at Lake Macbride State Park beach in Johnson County — closing the beach at 6:00 p.m. rather than 10:30 p.m. — in an effort to curb a number of alcohol-fueled fights. In recent years, alcohol has also been cited for problems such as public nudity and fighting at the Iowa Great Lakes.
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Many Iowans opposed to the potential booze ban are posting angry comments on social media, but Baskins says people who support the ban are equally emotional….
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Iowans who would like to give their opinion on the matter should direct their comments to the DNR’s Jessica Manken at 515-725-8488 or email: Jessica.Manken@dnr.iowa.gov. Those public comments will be accepted through next Monday (December 21). It’s unclear when the DNR might issue any new rules dealing with alcohol use at the beaches.
