Douglas County approves permit for Beer Garden over 4th of July weekend at Zephyr Cove

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Commissioners approved a special use permit for a Beer Garden at Zephyr Cove Resort over the 4th of July weekend. There has been a lot of concern about the event after the 2023 party at the adjacent Zephyr Shoals that left behind 8,000 pounds of trash, and videos of a massive party scene with drinking, including underage drinking.

Aramark, the operator of the resort, was given a new 20-year concessionaire permit in November, and a difference in the new permit was the operation of Zephyr Shoals, something not included in the past.

The 4th of July beach party has been escalating the last few years with many sanitation and safety concerns to the beach area outside Aramark's control, much of that at the beach where the Beer Garden is not located.

Assistant County Manager Scott Morgan introduced the Beer Garden permit request, recognizing the public's concern after 2023.

Morgan said it will be different this year since the Aramark area of responsibility, and area of control is now under their guidance.

There will be 58 security and sheriff's office personnel on scene, more management presence, dozens of portable restrooms on both Zephyr Cove and Zephyr Shoals beaches, a fence from the Skyland neighborhood to Warrior Way, guards at the entrances checking bags as alcohol from the outside is not allowed, and 46 extra trash receptacles.

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverly said he had concerns with the original permit submitted, but Aramark met their requests and the Sheriff said they've been a good partner.

"This is a good plan, the best we've seen," said Coverly, saying special events are always a concern to him.

He will assign one deputy to the Skyland neighborhood to control nonresident parking in that area. Coverly also said the deputies assigned to just the beach will be paid for by Aramark.

There will be a temporary impound lot nearby for any towed cars to be taken to. There will be no tolerance for illegal parking as there will be a $305 ticket given for the bad parking, plus a $300 tow fee, plus an impound fee. The car owner will also not be given the keys when the fines are paid if under the influence.

"I'm confident this will work," said Morgan.

Coverly said the event has the potential for many problems as there were several arrests last year, a found firearm on the beach, and what happens on the beach doesn't stay on the beach as they all drive or walk somewhere. He said he and his department have an obligation to ensure people are safe.

Morgan said the changes being made this year are important.

Members of the public have told the commissioners they had many concerns, and the commissioners said they had issues with the issuing of the permit at first until they heard about the safety fixes and other prerequisites required for the permit.

"We take our role seriously," the Aramark representative told the commissioners. "If the partiers return to Zephyr Shoals, those officers will be there to greet them." No alcohol allowed, all bags will be searched, no glass allowed, and no fireworks.

Commissioner Chair Wes Rice said people will be surprised when they park illegally and their car is taken away. He wants to prevent the beach experience from turning into another Colorado River party.

"Glad someone is stepping forward to putting the kibosh on the revelry that has been going on at Zephyr Shoals," said Rice.

A unanimous 5-0 vote gave conditional approval of an Outdoor Festival Permit application for the Beer Garden-4th of July Celebration-Zephyr Cove, to be held July 4-6, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Zephyr Cove Resort.