Survey says majority of participants want Fourth of July McCall alcohol ban to stay, council agrees

It looks like alcohol will once again be prohibited in McCall’s lakefront parks this Independence Day.

The city has a six-year booze ban in place at lakefront parks on the Fourth of July. The ban was put in place after large and rowdy parties on the water.

A couple weeks back, the city council was exploring lifting the alcohol ban at the request of former McCall Police Chief Justin Williams and Parks and Recreation Director Kurt Wolf. However, most council members were in favor of keeping the ban but they decided feedback was needed from the public.

Out of 316 respondents, almost 72% of people felt restrictions should remain in place. 

And with that, the council looks to vote in favor of the public at the next meeting. 

“For the record, there were hundreds of comments in that 72% in favor of, (and) people I speak to overwhelming favored the ban. So that is my preference,” councilmember Lyle Nelson said. “And it’s not based on any moral reflection on drinking necessarily mostly practical matters to the city.”

[Alcohol could return to McCall parks for Fourth of July: council looks for input]

It was also noted that St. Lukes McCall was in favor of keeping the ban. The hospital played a role in first implementing the rule.

Last night, the council gave direction to staff that they are in favor of a ban in place from July 3 at 8.m. to July 5 at 8 a.m.

All council members voiced they would side with the public decision other than council member Colby Nielsen, who believes there are more significant issues that should be taken care of during the holiday 

“I don’t think we need to have an alcohol ban,” Nielsen said. “I think we need to have more trash cans in place down there because families thrash the park. I am more offended by that and drunk college kids.”

City Communications Manager Erin Greaves told the council that they don’t have time to make an ordinance before the fourth, so this will be a resolution that is voted on at the next meeting. 

The ban includes Art Roberts Park, Legacy Park, Brown Park, Rotary Park, and Davis Beach Park.