Beer Bongs, Kegs Banned on Missouri Rivers

(Jefferson City, Missouri) To counter wild and rowdy partying on Missouri rivers and streams, a repellent to family outings, State Sen. Delbert Scott put an amendment on a large crime bill which bans beer bongs, Mardi Gras beads, kegs and non-bait styrofoam coolers on rivers other than the Missouri, Mississippi and Osage.

It's believed that the elimination of the beer bongs and other items will put a damper on rowdy parties. Most assuredly, banning the items will give law enforcers free reign to nose around partying groups. Violations will be misdemeanors.

Scott said in recent years Missouri streams have been overrun by partiers to the point that families don’t canoe or float any more.

Ozark Scenic Riverways, part of the National Park Service in Missouri, three years ago implemented similar rules on federal waterways in the state.

Larry Helms of the Boiling Springs Campground in Pulaski County said people who want to partake in these activities are moving to state rivers that don’t have the restrictions. [...]

Ozark Scenic Riverways spokeswoman Eliza Kunz said since they implemented the rules, they’ve seen a decrease in the number of rowdy people. But more importantly, she said, the atmosphere has shifted away from permissiveness of what she calls “totally outrageous” behavior.

Interestingly, the original language in the crime bill banned Jello-o shots in addition to beer bongs, etc. but it was removed for some unreported reason.

The crime bill along with its anti-party provisions passed the Missouri legislature this week and now goes to Gov. Jay Nixon for signature.

Also: The Jawa Report