Here’s where you can — and can’t — walk around in SC with an open can of beer
Ever wondered if it’s legal to enjoy a drink on the beach or while strolling the streets of South Carolina’s coastal areas?
The laws may be a bit stricter than you think.
What are South Carolina’s open container laws?
An open container is any bottle, can or other vessel filled with alcohol that’s within reach.
Open container laws are outlined in Section 61-4-110 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It states that it is unlawful for any person to possess, consume, or have an open container of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle except in the trunk or luggage compartment “while located upon the public highways or highway rights of way of this State.”
So, if you’re driving with a bottle of alcohol in the passenger seat that was previously opened, it counts as an open container, even if the cap is in place. If you are driving with an open container in your vehicle, it can lead to serious consequences.
South Carolina’s open container laws also prohibit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain areas, such as public places. The purpose of open container laws is to enhance public safety and reduce the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
But, different municipalities may have their own open container laws.
Here are the open container rules for different municipalities in coastal South Carolina:
Hilton Head:
According to Hilton Head municipal code, It is prohibited to consume any alcoholic liquors, wine or beer on any beach, public street, roadway, nature preserve or park used by the general public.
In addition, the drinking and/or possession of alcohol on Hilton Head public beaches is illegal and can result in a fine.
Beaufort:
Beaufort municipal code states that an open container with any intoxicating liquors, including beer, ale, porter, wine or other similar beverages is prohibited on any public street, alley, park, parking lot, public boat landing or playground. Private events and locations such as Henry C. Chambers Park may be approved by the city council with a waiver.
Beaufort also prohibits the consumption of alcohol when any public athletic contest is being conducted.
Bluffton:
The city of Bluffton states that it is illegal for any person to drink or possess an open container or any alcoholic beverage on any property. This includes but is not limited to parks, playgrounds, parking areas, public streets, sidewalks or alleyways.
Port Royal:
Port Royal municipal code says it is illegal to drink or carry an open container of beer, ale, or similar beverages with up to 5% alcohol by weight, or wine with up to 21% alcohol by volume, in public places like streets, sidewalks, parks, or alleys.
The only exceptions are for special event permits, which involve obtaining an alcohol license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue that is reviewed by Town Officials.
Columbia:
The municipal code of Columbia details that any consumption or possession of an open container of any alcoholic beverage is illegal in or on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, tree zone, parking garage or park within the city.
The only exception to Columbia’s open container law is if there is an event in a public space that includes alcohol, but it has to be approved by the city.
Furthermore, Columbia has an ordinance that states any person who shall be found drunk or intoxicated in city limits at any place, public or private can be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Exception: events approved by the city in public spaces that include alcohol
Charleston:
Charleston’s municipal code states that any transportation, possession, or consumption of any beer, wine, or alcoholic beverage in an open container in or upon the streets, sidewalks, alleys or public areas is illegal.
Myrtle Beach:
Myrtle Beach states that any consumption or possession of alcohol (including beer, wine or liquor) is prohibited in vehicles or any public place including streets, sidewalks or beach areas and is classified as a misdemeanor.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce also states that the consumption of alcohol is banned on all city and county beaches across the Myrtle Beach area.
Glass containers and bottles are also prohibited on the beach.
Savannah, Georgia:
The Savannah Code of Ordinances permits patrons to carry open drinks, but the legal way to consume drinks is in plastic, 16-ounce cups (not bottles, mugs or flasks). Patrons are also only permitted to consume these beverages within the parameters of the Historic District.
The Historic District of Savannah encompasses everything from River Street to Jones Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to West Broad Street.
This story was originally published December 27, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
