With the Victoria Day Long Weekend this weekend, Chatham-Kent OPP would like to remind the public that there is an alcohol ban in place at Rondeau and Wheatley Provincial Parks.
The alcohol ban began on May 12 and will continue until May 21 inclusive.
Chatham-Kent OPP and Ontario Parks officials say they are enforcing a "zero tolerance" policy for those who are caught with alcohol. They say anyone found with alcohol in the parks may face charges and a park eviction without being able to re-enter any provincial park for 72 hours.
"The Ontario Provincial Police will be using all available resources, including our aircraft and personnel over the Victoria Day weekend to crack down on aggressive and distracted drivers, those who drink and drive and those who fail to buckle up, on both our highways and in our provincial parks," says Chatham-Kent OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Dean Croker.
The OPP says the registered owner of a campsite in a provincial park is liable for any violations that occur on that site, regardless of whether they are occupying it or not.
Park wardens have the same authority as the Ontario Provincial Police to lay charges while working within the park.