Wrap up of South Lake Tahoe holiday rules about fire, alcohol and fireworks

It may seem like lyrics from the Five Man Electrical Band: Sign, sign, everywhere a sign; Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind' Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?

Everyone wants to enjoy the South Lake Tahoe area on the 4th of July holiday weekend. In order to keep everyone safe there are rules and regulations in place to do so.

1. Portable Charcoal Grills Prohibited on All Forest Service Beaches. You can use the limited number of Forest Service provided grills.

2. Campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest.
3. Possession of fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin regardless of jurisdiction.
4. Fire restrictions are in place to help reduce the possibility of human caused fires.
5. The annual alcohol ban will be in effect at Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort, and Zephyr Shoals (the former Dreyfus Estate) from 6 a.m. to midnight on July 4, 2015. There are no open containers allowed on other beaches or the street.
6. No drugs of any kind are allowed in public, including beaches.
7. At developed recreation sites, such as Kiva, Tallac and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, parking is allowed only in designated parking spaces inside the parking lots, not along the roadway.
8. Pets are not allowed at National Forest designated swim beaches, including Nevada, Pope, Baldwin, Meeks and William Kent.
9. Leashed pets are welcome at Kiva Picnic Area from Valhalla Boathouse/Pier to Tallac Point in South Lake Tahoe, Echo Lakes on Echo Summit, Zephyr Shoals and Hidden and Chimney beaches on the East Shore.
10. Don't leave your trash behind...pack it out. Garbage bags are being handed out at beaches. Trash and debris left behind after festivities can be harmful and even fatal to wildlife. It presents a human health hazard, and contributes to Lake Tahoe’s loss of clarity.
11. Don't drink and drive. The July 4 holiday an increase of alcohol consumption resulting in increased serious injuries and fatalities.
12. Have fun. Lots of ways to have fun that don't involve illegal actions!

A reminder: The Nifty Fifty Trolley stops at National Forest beaches along the South and West Shores of Lake Tahoe. This will help you save the $20 fee to park and you won't have to walk from the parking place you may, or may not find.