It has been 15 years since New Year’s Eve at Stateline was quite this rambunctious. All three of the young men climbing the pole were arrested shortly after in 2008. Photo by Jim Grant/Tahoe Daily Tribune
An ordinance prohibiting glass or metal containers at Stateline over New Year’s celebrated its 35th year on Saturday.
That ordinance was implemented Dec. 28, 1989, when as many as 10,000 revelers would turn up to ring in the new year, often getting into drunken melees with law enforcement trying to keep Highway 50 open.
New Year’s 1990, the first time the ordinance was in effect, saw 86 people arrested over a dozen hours. Despite the ordinance, deputies were still dodging cans and bottles, with one hit hard enough to be sidelined, according to Douglas County Sheriff’s Spokesman Sgt. Larry Coy in a Jan. 4, 1990, report written by R-C Staffer Kurt Hildebrand.
While the celebration has quieted down some over the following 35 years, the Sheriff’s Office continues to prepare for a significant turnout is expected for New Year’s Eve events in the Stateline casino corridor.
Heavy pedestrian traffic along Highway 50 will likely cause delays. The 25 mph speed limit in the casino corridor will be strictly enforced. Plan for extra travel time and remember that drinking and driving is never acceptable.
To maintain public safety, the Sheriff’s Office is partnering with multiple agencies including Nevada State Police, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol. Additional support will come from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Douglas County Communications Center, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department, Cal-Trans, and the Nevada Department of Transportation.
In an effort to protect lives and property while ensuring a safe environment for all, deputies will be on the lookout for prohibited behaviors like excessive rowdiness, fighting or throwing objects, vandalism or theft, narcotics violations, public intoxication, possession or discharge of fireworks, and underage alcohol consumption or possession.
Starting tonight and into Wednesday, glass and metal containers are banned in the Stateline casino area. Any prohibited containers will be confiscated and destroyed. Use plastic or paper containers for beverages. Casinos will serve alcohol in plastic cups.
The sheriff’s office is asking pedestrians to exercise caution while walking in Stateline and South Lake Tahoe, especially when crossing streets. Deputies will focus on road safety for both pedestrians and drivers. Use sidewalks, cross only at designated crosswalks, and moderate alcohol consumption.
Parents should closely monitor their children during the celebrations, especially in crowded areas. The casino core is not intended for minors. Douglas County’s curfew for individuals younger than 18 is midnight on Dec. 31, 2024. Violations may result in citations. Individuals younger than 21 caught with alcohol or who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face arrest.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. To ensure safety, consider alternative transportation options such as designating a sober driver, using a cab, or ride-share services. Report drunk drivers by calling 911.
For more information, visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website at sheriff.douglascountynv.gov or call 775-782-9900.
