Placer County reminds Tahoe residents and visitors that alcohol is banned on the Truckee River July 3-5.

Possession of open or closed containers of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the Truckee River from its outfall at Lake Tahoe to the Alpine Meadows Bridge. State law bans the possession of alcoholic beverages on the river and any of its islands. Placer County ordinance bans possession of alcoholic beverage containers 3 feet up from the river’s high water mark on each bank, including all islands and bridges. The Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City is the only bridge excluded from the ban.

For decades, the Truckee River has provided fun and refreshing summer recreation for North Lake Tahoe families and visitors, especially during the Fourth of July holiday when thousands of rafters float the river. However, excessive consumption of alcohol along this portion of the river during peak holiday periods created a public safety hazard and degraded the tourism experience. Additionally, the tremendous amount of trash and debris left behind in the river and along its banks became a safety and environmental hazard and was expensive to remove.

Before the alcohol ban on the Truckee River, there was an alcohol-related death, numerous arrests for driving under the influence, being drunk in public, indecent exposure and minors in possession of alcohol. Additionally, there were multiple automobile collisions that resulted in arrest for DUI. The alcohol ban is responsible for a significant reduction in alcohol-related incidents the past three years.

Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for the third violation occurring in any calendar year.