Open Containers in Public Crackdown
St. Patrick’s Day is known for green beer and partying, but this year you may want to keep the drinks away from the curb.
Last Saturday, Dallas police cracked down on open containers at the annual St. Patty’s parade on Greenville Avenue causing a lot of frustration for the partiers. State law says that open containers need to be 18 feet from the public right-of-way (like a sidewalk or road). Those who are in violation of the law, a class C misdemeanor, could be fined up to $250.
So, even at game day tailgating and big parades, it’s still not legal to have an open container near a sidewalk or a street – even if everyone else is doing it, too.
What counts as an open container? In Texas, "Open container" means a bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage and that is open, that has been opened, that has a broken seal, or the contents of which are partially removed.
So why am I telling you this? Because even though I only handle personal injury lawsuits, a lot of the clients I represent have been in accidents caused by drunk people. I know the Dallas police department got a lot of flack for getting strict on open container laws, especially at the St. Patty’s Day parade, but I think the reason they did is to protect people from something worse, like a DUI or a drunk driving accident.
I guess what I’m saying is, enjoy your green beer…responsibly! Know the law and know your limits and everyone will have a great St. Patrick’s Day.
