Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Wants Stricter Alcohol Laws

As you are out enjoying the great outdoors, there is a plan to cut down on the amount of alcohol you can have on the state's scenic rivers.

The Illinois River is popular destination that can attract hundreds on any given day of the week.

There have been more deaths on the river this summer than in the past three years and now, the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission is wanting to implement stricter laws to help keep people safe on the water.

Rangers are now able to catch more people breaking the law by putting undercover rangers on the water.

Many of the proposed changes target alcohol consumption. These are all just suggestions and will be brought up at the OSRC meeting on Tuesday:
 

      1)  First, banning possession and consumption of alcohol in excess of 3.2 percent by weight.

      2) Also, restricting possession and consumption of 3.2 percent beer and other beverages to certain sections and certain days on the river.

      3) Another proposed change is to limit size of ice chests to a per-flotation device instead of per person basis.

      4) Also banning the possession and use of beer bongs, funnels or other devices party-goers tend to use.

      5) Last of all, a new rule for day-use permits on public access areas that include alcohol restrictions, refuse disposal/take away requirement, etc.

8/1/2015 Related Story: Undercover Rangers Crack Down On Illinois River Lawbreakers