OGDEN — The Weber County Commission has unanimously approved a ban on alcoholic beverages at the Pineview Reservoir's Cemetery Point beach and parking lot.
Drinking has been linked to a number of serious problems at Pineview — mainly DUIs and accidents, said Weber County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Chris Zimmerman.
Backers of the ban approved Tuesday said unruly drinkers spoil the family atmosphere at the beach.
"Unfortunately, as happens a lot, a few people ruin it for everybody else," said Rick Vallejos, recreation manager with the Wasatch-Cache National Forest's Ogden Ranger District. The Forest Service shares law-enforcement duties at the lake with the sheriff's office.
Forest Service officials had suggested banning alcohol at all three managed beaches at Pineview.
After discussion, it was decided the ban will be limited to Cemetery Point for now.
"We want to look at this very closely," Vallejos said. "We'll monitor and study and really get a sense if this is the right thing to do. We may come back and ask to expand it, or we may decide not to do it anymore."
The ban is set to go into effect immediately, but there will be a warning period and signs will be posted.
"We'll warn people for at least 30 days, probably all through June," Zimmerman said.