Heavy Partying Could Stop on Missouri's Rivers
From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Help  

Heavy Partying Could Stop on Missouri's Rivers

Date: March 5, 2009
By: Rebecca Layne
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: Boozing with beer bongs on boats will be banned if a Missouri Senator gets his way. The bill demands safer and more family-friendly rivers by ridding them of excessive consumption of alcohol. RunTime:1:26
OutCue: SOC

Republican Senator Delbert Scott's bill would prohibit beer bongs, jello shots and large-volume alcohol containers on Missouri's rivers. 

Actuality:  DELBERT1.WAV
Run Time: 00:16
Description: We have the most beautiful streams in America. They have, up to this point, been open to families, church groups and individuals. But with the group who just comes to get drunk and party, it has pretty well prevented regular families from going out and using them. This will restore that right and that privilege to enjoy the streams again. 

In support of Scott's bill is Bob Burns, owner of NRO Canoe Rental and Campground in Lebanon. Burns says he doesn't see the use of these types of devices.

Actuality:  BURNS1.WAV
Run Time: 00:24
Description: It's not good for the families. It just creates problems on the river. And I see it every Saturday morning here at our place. They'll come from the campground down to get in the river, and they've got a hose and a funnel. And I usually tell them I'd just rather didn't see that, but I've got no authority to tell them they can't take it unless there's a law passed.


NRO Campground owner Bob Burns says a little more discipline should be in place.
 
Bill sponsor Delbert Scott says these restrictions have worked on Missouri's rivers governed by the federal government. But now these booted river-goers are moving to local streams and rivers protected only by local law enforcement.
 
Scott says sheriffs' departments and campground associations showed their support at the bill's hearing.
 
Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne ... KSMU.