Alcohol Banned in Shooting Areas

Recognizing “the potentially dangerous combination of shooting and alcohol,” the U. S. Forest Service has prohibited drinking in the Angeles National Forest’s 13 designated shooting areas, starting Sept. 1.

The order, issued by Forest Supervisor George Roby, also gives Forest Service officers the authority to enforce state laws against drunk driving in the forest, where city-dwellers have often created an atmosphere of crime and chaos, according to complaints.

Beginning next month, officers will regularly patrol areas like Pigeon Ridge, a shooting area in the San Gabriel Canyon north of Azusa, and issue citations to marksmen who have alcoholic beverages in their possession, a spokeswoman said.

Violators face could be fined up to $500 and be jailed for up to six months.