Tybee Island could ban open-air alcohol consumption in April

Tybee Island officials are considering putting a lid on public alcohol consumption in the month of April to prevent underage drinking and other alcohol-related mishaps during the annual Orange Crush event.

The city’s public safety committee will discussed the proposed amendment 10:30 Friday, according to Savannah Morning News. If passed, Tybee Island would ban the consumption of alcohol in public throughout April.

The proposal comes after several other popular Spring Break destinations have banned alcohol from their beaches.

Panama City, Fla. banned open container alcohol consumption last year after a series of out-of-control situations. Shootings, arrests, underage drinking and a viral video of a woman being gang raped on the beach while bystanders continued partying led city officials to take action and put public safety first.

City officials in Panama City and Gulf Shores have seen a reduction in arrests and violence since the ban began, according to AL.com.

On Hilton Head Island, the consumption of alcoholic liquor, beer, and wine is prohibited and could result in a $500 fine.

If the Tybee Island public safety officials pass the proposal on Friday, city council members would need to vote on the amendment before the event begins April 15.

“People will still be drinking and drinking on the beach — we get it,” Tybee Island Police Chief Bob Bryson told Savannah Morning News. “It’s just the open air, throwing it back. We try to tout ourselves as a family beach.”

The Tybee Island Public Safety Committee special meeting takes place 10:30 a.m. Friday at Burke Day Public Safety Building, 78 Van Horne Ave.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Tybee Island could ban open-air alcohol consumption in April."