Alcohol banned for river rafters
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, August 31, 2007
The Labor Day weekend marks the second test of a ban of consumption of alcoholic beverages on shore or on the water while rafting the lower American River.
Holiday floats in recent years had been scarred by drunken brawls.
In 2006, Sacramento County banned drinking or processing open alcoholic beverages in the American River Parkway -- between Hazel and Watt avenues.
This year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation just days before the July 4 holiday extending the ban to the river itself -- which is controlled by the state.
The new law and stepped up enforcement produced a far tamer Independence Day holiday on the river.
-- Ed Fletcher
