Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announcing alcohol will be banned on Wildlife Management Areas beginning next week.

TWRA officials say alcohol possession and consumption will be prohibited statewide on WMAs starting on April 15 except for designated areas, which are TWRA campgrounds and public waters bordering or within a WMA.

Officials say the rule change applies to all user groups, including off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers who ride on WMA units.

TWRA Wildlife Officers will be issuing citations for alcohol possession and use that is not in compliance with the regulations. Officials say Tennessee DUI laws also apply on local roads and managed trails when operating OHVs.

TWRA officials say the rule change comes after high rates of intoxicated driving on WMAs and frequent accidents where alcohol was a contributing factor.