Let the good times roll… responsibly

After weathering a global pandemic and an impressive renovation, Daniel Island’s premier event location is ready to host tennis, concerts and many other notable events. Even when driving by Daniel Island on I-526, one can not help but to notice the Credit One facility. A few days from now, Charleston’s premier tennis event will kick off what is sure to be an exciting spring, summer and fall on Daniel Island.

Therefore, we thought it an opportune time to outline some of the rules governing alcohol consumption and similar rules to ensure we maintain our very wonderful and peaceful way of Daniel Island living. On Daniel Island, we are subject to both local ordinances and state law. 

First, the City of Charleston maintains ordinances which govern open containers in a vehicle and open containers in public (City of Charleston Code 3-31 and 3-32). By definition, an “open container” is any container that has previously been opened. A re-capped beer bottle or wine with a stopper or cork pushed back is an open container. With all the recent and less assumed versions of alcoholic beverages, it is also important to note what qualifies as “an alcoholic beverage.” The standard is one-half of one percent (0.5%) or more of alcohol by volume. By law, alcohol content in a commercially sold product must be disclosed, so if you are in doubt, then review the label. Hopefully, you don’t find yourself in a position where a law enforcement officer is helping you review the label.

Both City of Charleston ordinances and state law prohibit an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Before you ask – yes, both golf carts and electric, low-speed vehicles qualify as vehicles. 

The City of Charleston ordinances also prohibit open alcoholic containers on streets, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, alleys, and public ways. In other words, be very mindful while walking to events, gathering in parking lots and other public and open spaces. Violations of the open container laws can subject you to a fine and further penalty given any extenuating circumstances.

Another consideration before (and certainly after) any events are the rules and laws regarding public intoxication and/or disorderly conduct. Public intoxication is being in a grossly intoxicated condition in a public place or gathering. Unlike some more exacting measures, being tipsy or having a few drinks leaves latitude for law enforcement to decide if you qualify as publicly intoxicated. Disorderly conduct includes a host of activities, including using obscene language in a public place. This conduct is outlawed in public places, which can include more than just parks, streets and sidewalks. The bar inside a restaurant is considered a public space, as is anywhere else where conduct is observable by members of the public. Like open containers, violations of the public intoxication/disorderly conduct laws can subject you to a fine and further penalty given any extenuating circumstances.

With all that said, there may be a run on Solo cups at Publix

Chris Mingledorff and Michael Patterson are attorneys with Mingledorff & Patterson LLC on Daniel ISland.  For more information, go to mptrial.com.