Alcohol Ban on Michigan Rivers Being Put on Hold…For Now

Last week we told you about an alcohol ban that was being put in place on portions of the AuSable, Manistee and Pine rivers during the summer months.

According to UpNorthLive, The National Forest Service is delaying the ban of alcohol on the rivers in hopes of working with the community. This will surely make a lot of people happy.

I'm sure this is happening due to so many Michiganders expressing their dislike (to say the least) of the new law. People were really upset even though they knew the reasoning which was public safety issues and to protect the waterways. Many of us travel up north every summer to go canoeing or tubing so this new law would really throw a wrench in things. Not to mention the loss of money for businesses up north.

Huron-Manistee National Forests Supervisor Leslie Auriemmo said in a statement: “Individuals and businesses throughout northern Michigan have expressed strong interest in partnering with the Forest Service to address ongoing public safety and environmental issues on our National Wild and Scenic Rivers. We welcome a practical, community-driven solution to these challenges.” 

So essentially instead of starting the ban this year, the NFS will create a group of small business owners, municipal officials and private citizens to create a plan for the rivers. if they don't get it figured out, the alcohol ban could start in 2020.

We'll keep you posted if anything new develops.