Clark County Strengthens Rules to Prevent Underage Drinking in Hotel Rooms

New Regulations for Alcohol in Hotel Rooms

Clark County has implemented stricter measures to control access to alcohol within hotel rooms, particularly focusing on resort properties along the famous Las Vegas Strip. The unanimous decision aims to reduce instances of underage drinking in these establishments.

Written Agreements Required from Guests

Starting July 15, hotel guests who have alcoholic beverages in their rooms must sign written agreements accepting full responsibility for keeping alcohol out of the hands of anyone under 21 years old. This new ordinance places additional duties on both hotels and their guests to ensure compliance.

Vincent Queano, head of the Clark County Business License Department, explained that the policy mandates licensees to obtain written acknowledgments from guests stating they will control the alcohol and prevent minor consumption.

Guests who decline to sign the agreement will not be allowed to keep alcohol in their rooms. This rule also extends to exclusive areas within resorts, such as private theater booths and skyboxes.

Locking Up Alcohol Inside Rooms Not Practical

Although initially proposed, the requirement to lock up alcohol in secure refrigerators or cabinets was removed because enforcement would be impractical. Clark County does not have the resources to inspect every hotel room or suite regularly.

Despite the strict nature of these measures, some tourists have already experienced the process and expressed support. For example, one visitor noted that signing the alcohol waiver was part of the check-in routine, while another guest praised the rules as a positive step to protect minors, especially when families visit Las Vegas.

Existing Industry Practices and Scope of the Ordinance

According to Queano, similar precautions are already common practice in many hotels, resorts, sports arenas, and convention centers, where extra fees are often charged when alcohol is provided in guest rooms.

The ordinance, approved on July 1, applies specifically to hotels with at least 100 rooms, arenas seating 8,000 or more, and theaters with a capacity of 400 or more people. It targets locations with “individual access” liquor licenses.

It is important to note that if guests bring their own alcohol, the new rules do not impose responsibility on the hotel, nor require a signed waiver from the guest.

These measures are part of Clark County’s wider efforts to enhance oversight and safety as tourism recovers and more families visit the Las Vegas Strip.