Valley County Vote On 4th Of July Alcohol Ban

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation put a ban on drinking at one of McCall's best known party spots.

Now it's up to Valley County to enforce the ban.  On Monday, county commissioners will vote on whether to ban alcohol in the North Beach Unit of Ponderosa State Park - a place that people from all over Idaho come to celebrate the 4th.

The City of McCall voted to ban alcohol in city parks surrounding Payette Lake from July 3 to July 5. One of the main reasons for the prohibition is so people can enjoy 4th of July festivities like fireworks and live music, instead of underage drinking and chaotic crowds.

To enforce the temporary ban, the Valley County Sheriff would work alongside Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The ordinance proposal states that any violation will be punishable as an infraction.

Valley County's proposed "4th of July Alcohol Ban" will also prohibit parking on the East Side Road and Warren Wagon Road during the holiday. Residents are hopeful that will cut down on traffic, as well as drunk drivers.

If county commissioners approve the ordinance, it will go into effect immediately.