By David Stevenson

New Year’s Eve is nearly here. Every year, thousands of revelers crowd the casino corridor in celebration. There is actually no sanctioned event of any kind related to New Year’s Eve by the city of South Lake Tahoe or by Douglas County.

You will see a large law enforcement presence on both sides of the state line because of our efforts to manage safety issues involved with such a large crowd. We would like our guests to remain aware of a few things in order to help us make this a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone:

1. No glass or other hard beverage containers are permitted in the state line corridor on New Year’s Eve; regardless of whether or not they contain alcohol. Cans, bottles and similar hard containers are prohibited. Any violation of this ordinance will be strictly enforced on both sides of the state line as a misdemeanor criminal offense.

2. If you are under 18 and plan to be out for the New Year’s Eve celebration, please be with your parents or other responsible adult. The South Lake Tahoe curfew is 10pm,every night, including New Year’s Eve. (SLT City Ordinance 18-3)

3. Please, no loitering or remaining on public or private property once you have been asked to leave. (SLT City ordinances 18-12.1, 18-12 & section 602 Ca. Penal Code).

4. Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, is a misdemeanor criminal offense (647(f) Ca. penal code).

5. Please place all trash in the appropriate containers (SLT City Ordinance 23-26)

6. Possession of opened alcoholic beverages in public, or in vehicles, is a misdemeanor. (SLT City ordinance 18-9)

7. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a misdemeanor offense (272 Ca. penal code)

8. Offensive noises, voices, or music, which can be heard 50 feet from a building (or 10 feet from a vehicle) is prohibited, and may be prosecuted as misdemeanor crimes. (SLT City ordinance 18-10)

9. Please keep your party orderly, whether at the hotel or at your residence, so it does not disturb your neighbors (415(2) Ca. penal code).

10. Fireworks of any nature are illegal. Please do not bring these to the New Year’s Eve celebration in the state line corridor (SLT City ordinance 12-31A).

11. The lawful age to possess alcohol in California, open or not, is 21. (25662 Ca. B&P code)

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department understands everyone wants to enjoy themselves. Please help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for your assistance, and have a happy New Year.

David Stevenson is a lieutenant with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.