Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

"With statewide directives in place and no planned events at the Lake Tahoe casino corridor, law enforcement is anticipating there will still be crowds," said Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) Undersheriff Ron Elges.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson said they will be working in partnership with the California Highway Patrol and DCSO to coordinate any response along the corridor.

Stevenson said officers would normally be preparing for SnowGlobe and with all permits pulled during the pandemic and with stay-at-home orders in the state, no official events will be taking place in South Lake Tahoe. He said Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) will be in town as they normally are on New Year's Eve to assist with minors with alcohol and other beverage issues.

Lodging properties on the California side of the state line fall under the state's order, and are closed for in-state reservations and open for non-essential, out-of-state reservations as long as the reservation is at least the minimum time period required for quarantine (14 days). Rooms can be used for essential workers, COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures. On the Nevada side, hotels can be open to capacity.

There is also a travel advisory still in place for California.

Elges said public safety is their number one priority and wants the public to be aware of the following:

Due to the high volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino area during this time, U.S. Highway 50 may be closed to vehicle traffic in the evening, if necessary. Should that occur, vehicle traffic will be diverted around the core Stateline casino area using upper and lower Lake Parkway Drive.

Drivers, allow yourself additional time to make it to your destination. Be cautious of wintertime travel, and anticipate poor road conditions caused by weather. Be prepared with snow tires or carry tire chains/cables.

Throughout Carson Valley and the Lake Tahoe Basin, DCSO will have a high presence, along with numerous other law enforcement agencies, including Nevada Highway Patrol, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol. Supporting agencies include the Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Douglas County Communications Center, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department, Cal-Trans and Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Persons planning to be in the Stateline area December 31, 2020 to January 01, 2021 are reminded glass or metal containers, regardless of contents, are prohibited in the casino area. Any containers, and their contents, will be confiscated for destruction by law enforcement. Alcohol or other liquids should be in a plastic or paper cup. Area casinos are aware of this requirement, and will serve alcoholic beverages in plastic cups throughout the evening.

Call for a Ride. Stay Alive - Local agencies launched an anti-drunk driving campaign aimed at helping our community stay safer by encouraging ride alternatives to those who are drinking and need to get home. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reminds you law enforcement will be out in full force on New Year’s Eve looking for impaired drivers. Don’t risk harming others, losing your license, your car and freedom. Plan before you start drinking. Safe alternatives to driving impaired include: designate a sober driver, take a cab or use a ride-share app, stay the night if you are somewhere safe, and if you see a drunk driver call 9-1-1. Remember, you can celebrate the holiday, but one poor decision to drink and drive could bring a devastating start to the new year you can’t take back. Call for a ride so you and others stay alive.