Clark County Cracks Down on In

A new ordinance aimed at curbing underage drinking on the Strip wants Las Vegas hotel guests to sign waivers accepting responsibility for in-room alcoholImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Clark County has decided to tighten the rules around alcohol access in hotel rooms, with special emphasis on resort properties spread along the Las Vegas Strip. The unanimous decision comes to curb underage drinking.

Guests Must Sign Written Agreements 

County officials passed a new ordinance placing added responsibility on both hotels and their guests. 

Beginning July 15, guests are asked to sign written agreements provided alcoholic beverages are present in their room. The agreements will confirm that the respective guests will be fully responsibility for preventing anyone under the age of 21 from consuming alcohol inside their rooms.

“We added the requirement that licensees must obtain a written acknowledgment and agreement to assume control of the alcoholic liquor and prevent consumption by minors,” explained Vincent Queano, who heads the Clark County Business License Department.

If a guest refuses to sign the form, the alcohol won’t be allowed to stay in the room. This policy also applies to more exclusive areas, including private theater booths and skyboxes located within resort properties.

The Lock-Up Idea, Not Feasible 

While the idea of locking up in-room liquor was initially discussed, Queano explained that it coudn’t be put into practice. 

“The requirement that alcohol liquor must be stored in a locked or secured refrigerator or cabinet was removed as the requirement is unenforceable. We lack the resources to inspect every hotel room and suite,” he said.

Though the measure may seem strict, some visitors have already seen it in action and are supportive of the added precautions.

“We checked in and got the keys, and they said that we needed to sign some documents. One of them being the alcohol waiver,” said Daniel Van Overbeek, a tourist visiting the Strip. 

Maria Elena Miranda, another guest, added, “I think it’s a good idea. Anything that would help keep kids out of trouble. If parents bring them to Vegas, they should be aware of what their kids are doing.”

Nothing New Under the Sun

Queano noted that these kinds of safeguards aren’t entirely new, as they’re already “a common practice among hotels, resort-hotels and sports and convention buildings” that are already charging an extra fee when providing alcohol in guests’ rooms. 

The ordinance, which was voted on July 1, only applies to locations that feature “individual access” liquor licenses. Namely, hotels that count a minimum of 100 rooms, arenas with at least 8,000 seats, and theaters that can host 400 people. 

If a guest brings their liquor, the hotel isn’t responsible under the new rules, and no written waiver is required.

The move reflects a broader effort by Clark County to strengthen its oversight as tourism bounces back and families become more frequent visitors on the Strip.