Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Standing or stopping suddenly is prohibited on the pedestrian bridges of the Las Vegas Strip, where visitors often stop to take photos amid the bright lights of casinos or to watch people performing on the bridges.
Violators of the measure that went into effect Tuesday could face up to six months in prison or a $1,000 fine.
Clark County commissioners voted unanimously this month to approve the measure prohibiting people from “stopping, standing or engaging in any activity that causes another person to stop” on pedestrian bridges on The Strip. That also includes stairs, elevators and escalators within 20 feet of the avenue.
Clark County said in a statement that its “pedestrian flow mandate” is not directed at street performers or people stopping to take photographs, but is intended to increase public safety by ensuring a continuous flow of pedestrian traffic in the bridges.
The measure “will help ensure that our world-class tourism destination remains a safe place for people to visit and travel,” the statement said.
However, opponents pointed out that the ban violates people's rights protected by the First Amendment.
“That could imply the right to protest. That could imply someone who is sharing expressions of her faith. That could involve a street performer,” said Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. Those rights, he said, are “protected at the highest level” in public spaces, including pedestrian bridges.
The county said it planned to install signs on the Strip to indicate where stopping or standing is prohibited.