Did the County Make the Right Decision Expanding the American River Alcohol Ban? (POLL)

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors recently made the unanimous by giving the Regional Parks District Director authority to prohibit alcohol on the river between Hazel and Watt Avenues whenever a reasonable belief exists that its consumption would threaten public safety. But was it the right decision? 

The ban could be invoked at any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day starting in 2013, and would apply to boaters and rafters as well as people onshore.

Readers on Fair Oaks Patch seemed to have no problems with the revised ordinance.

"I agree with the ban. The river and country side should be protected from not only alchohal [sic], but from loud music too," said Patch reader Roberta Hubbard. "We go out to the country settings to get away from radio, T.V., ect ... and into the quiet. But people who want to bring all that to the parks is unfair."

Another Patch reader explained those who are responsible for the mess should be the ones to take care of it.

"Let those who cause the problem or help it along pay for the expenses of the clean up. If you drink and float, you get to pick up the tab not the taxpayer," said Patch reader "Bob".

County officials estimated it cost Sacramento County more than $30,000 to pay for the added public safety resources it required to monitor the one-day event, "Rafting Gone Wild" put on through a Facebook event invitation.

--

Citrus Heights readers, what's your take on the expanded alcohol ordinance? Could Sacramento County have come up with a better idea for curtailing alcohol abuse on the American River? Share your thoughts in the comments section and participate in the online poll.

Stay Patched in! Follow Citrus Heights Patch on Twitter | Like Citrus Heights Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news.