Police crack down on parking lot partiesBy Brian Hicks (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Brad Nettles Police Chief Greg Mullen For centuries, Charleston's image has been the very portrait of Southern charms — moonlight, magnolias and mint juleps. Well, at least we still have the moonlight and magnolias. In the past year, Charleston police have cracked down on drinking in public. You can't take your beer on the sidewalk in front of A.C.'s when you need a smoke, or stand on the corner with a cold one on a Saturday night. And the days when you could walk The Battery on a warm summer evening with a chilled glass of wine are gone with the wind. Better keep your rum punch on the porch. Last year, police curtailed tailgating at Citadel football games. Since then, they have turned the annual downtown art walk into a staggered event — you can't carry your wine from one gallery to the next. And now, police say Dave Matthews fans won't be able to grill out or sit on their cars drinking beer in public parking lots before the band's July Fourth show at Riley Park. Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen has talked to a lot of groups about this in recent months, explaining that it's all about risk management — the police department's responsibility to keep people safe and abiding the law. He says he intends to enforce the law equally, uptown and downtown. "I think most people probably don't like it, but some of these same folks want us to enforce those laws against other people," Mullen said. "We can't look the other way for one group. It puts our officers in a tough position. It's not about The Citadel, it's not about the art walk, it's not about Dave Matthews. It's about taking our responsibility seriously." Most folks say they understand the need to keep control on things — it's not like this is Bourbon Street — but they fear that a restrictive atmosphere eventually could cost the city some of its cultural events and concerts. Lese Corrigan, owner of Corrigan Gallery downtown, said police met with the French Quarter Gallery Association before this year's art walk to let them know it was against the law for people to stroll from one exhibit to the next with a drink in hand, as has been tradition. "It didn't slow down traffic, but it certainly did cast a different tone," Corrigan said. "I understand that it's the law, but there's a feeling that this is changing the flavor of Charleston by doing this." The first big public change came last summer, when police said that folks at Citadel football games had to stop drinking in the parking lots within two hours after the game ended. Andy Solomon, the college's associate athletic director, said the change didn't hurt attendance at all. "There were a couple of rumblings at first, but by the second game it was not a problem," Solomon said. "We're good citizens." Police plan to have another meeting with officials at The Citadel this summer to discuss how tailgating will be handled in the upcoming season. It's unlikely police will be able to completely eliminate parking lot parties there. Not only is tailgating a college football tradition, the parking for Johnson Hagood Stadium is state property. The city, however, owns all the parking for the RiverDogs stadium, and the plan is for police to not allow any grilling or drinking in parking lots when the Dave Matthews Band plays The Joe on the Fourth of July. It has put the stadium in an odd position. There is little tailgating for baseball games at The Joe, but the Dave Matthews Band, which sold out 15,000 tickets in four hours here, has a loyal, social following. Many Dave Matthews fans like to hang out in the parking lots before shows, like the Grateful Dead's Deadheads or Jimmy Buffett's Parrotheads. Chad Rhodes, a James Island resident going to the show, said he had been planning to grill out in the parking lot and have a few drinks. He said it would be better for the city to allow folks to drink in a controlled space instead of having parties before the show at private homes and then driving into the city. "I was going to go and take some food, enjoy the camaraderie of my friends," Rhodes said. "I see it as a way for them to sell more beer inside the place." Dave Echols, general manager of the RiverDogs, has spread the word about the anti-tailgating law on the team's Web site and hopes people see it before coming in from out of town. "I don't control the parking," Echols said. "We're at the mercy of the city." While some folks think any law that is perceived as fan-unfriendly could hurt the chances of landing future big concerts, Paul Wieters, director of special events and wellness programs for the city, says the law won't be much of a shock to most concertgoers. Many venues across the country, he said, ban tailgating these days. Mullen said the city simply is trying to maintain a safe environment, not ruin anybody's good time. He said he won't send in teams to bust people and issue summonses but that there will be officers at the Dave Matthews concert to let people know the law, and hope they will comply. "The doors open at 5:30 and the show will last till 11," Mullen said. "If people don't get enough to drink in nearly six hours, that's an issue." Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 74 comment(s)
Posted by jmw29410 on June 22, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Two words: Legislated Morality. It sucks severely.
State and City Governments both need severe overhauling. We lose video gambling but get a Lottery system that puts less back into the pockets of the people. Businesses and customers lost the freedom of choice about smoking. Now they take away tailgating? As stated in the article, no problem...people will grill and party at home then drive to the show. Why not just restrict the amount of time tailgaters are allowed, like at the Citadel games?
Little Joe, yer butt's gotta go!!!! And take your Yes-Bubbas with you!
Posted by auger on June 22, 2008 at 4:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The tailgaters just need to follow the "accepted" rules. Just put your beverage of choice in a 40 oz Old English 800 bottle and drink it while walking down the East side. Meander over toward "The Joe" as you finish the beverage and enjoy the concert! The cops will just think they have a bigger homeless presence than most evenings.
Posted by ForPnC on June 22, 2008 at 4:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's easier to bother the law abiding citizens that are out having a bit of fun. They're going to do what they're told. How's about going over to the east side and trying those same tactics over there? Bet they don't work so well.
Posted by JC on June 22, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Darn, I never knew you could walk anywhere Downtown with a childed glass of wine, but I agree with Chief Mullen. You can't make exceptions for a special group. They are charged with enforcing ALL the laws. They can't just pick and choose the LAWS they want to enforce. The days of Chief Greenberg are over!
Posted by mr_happy on June 22, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So we force the smokers outside and then they cannot bring their drinks. What bull, along with the whole not safe factor. If someone cannot guard their drink and someone throws one of those "date rape" drugs in what will they be thinking then.
Posted by CedarPosts on June 22, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Barney Fife: Andy, I've got this one dead to rights! Otis was drunk. I even gave him a test. I drew a line on the sidewalk and told him to walk it. You know what he said?
Andy Taylor: What?
Barney Fife: He asked me what line. I've got this one right, Andy. Otis was drunk!
Andy Taylor: That right, Otis? Did you ask Deputy Fife what line?
Otis Campbell: Yeah; but I didn't have my specs on and drunk or sober, I can't see much without my specs.
Andy Taylor: Otis, three hours ago when Deputy Fife arrested you were you drunk?
Otis Campbell: I don't know; I wasn't wearin' my glasses.
It would be funny if we lived in Mayberry, but while Andy and Barney are arresting concert patrons at the Joe, thieves, rapists and crack dealers are having the big laugh.
Posted by ForPnC on June 22, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cedar - They just showed that episode a few weeks ago! LOL!
Posted by Slick50 on June 22, 2008 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to agree with ForPnC. Cops will be after people they KNOW will not put up any resistance while the real criminals will be robbing, raping, and looting. Joe is making Charleston a city that outlaws FUN. What next, a 10 PM curfew?
I could understand this ordinance if there were no crime in Charleston. But since that isn't the case, wouldn't the public be better served if the city turned a blind eye toward people gathering for a tailgate cocktail while vigorously enforcing real laws or providing real public safety?
Posted by goodkarmasc on June 22, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tailgating is essentially outlawed, while the downtown rowdy bunches are out of control in front of every bar and in particular at closing time? These downtown revelers, puking and poluting our sidewalks is giving Charleston a real black eye when it comes to our tourists. And then for the police to squelch the times that our tourists come into town at real EVENTS to spend money flys in the face of logic. Public consumption is NOT public drunk.
Posted by redandwhite_85 on June 22, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have talk to people in chatrooms (AOL) and some of them come to charleston a lot. Some twice a year . Now, they say things have gotten so bad that they have decided to go else where. And some have been coming for over 40 years. They say alot of people they talk to feel the same.
I guess if this keeps up we wont have to worry about tourist anymore good work MR JOE.(being sarcastic here)
Posted by CMLMADDOG on June 22, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL! Those rowdy kids on the art walks!!
Posted by trm2105 on June 22, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get organized. Protest! The DMB concert would be a great place to start. If a large percentage of concert goers united to form a peaceful and civil grilling and swilling protest, think of the message it would send. There's no reason law abiding citizens should be persecuted this way. Who ever heard of a tailgating event degenerating into a societal threat. If I lived there, you bet I'd sign up for such a peaceful demonstration. Heck, I bet with enough folks involved, the officers patroling the event would succumb to all the good natured revelry. This is nothing but another case of fear mongering.
Posted by ForPnC on June 22, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've got a better one trm -
Let's all tailgate and the next annual baptist convention!
Posted by ForPnC on June 22, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
*at the next
Posted by desspec on June 22, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Safer environment? Maybe the City should mandate helmets when grillin' & chillin'.
Posted by trm2105 on June 22, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ForPnC,
HA! I'm in!
Posted by Perspective on June 22, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you are completely baseless and silly.
1) Most venues in the country do not allow drinking outside in public areas and parking lots. You want to drink? Do it at home, on private property, or IN a business that has a permit to serve open alcohol.
2) People will not stop coming because they can not drink outside. That is a stupid argument.
3) The police don't make the laws, they are just tasked with trying to enforce them equally.
4) The citizens don't want to see a black guy walking down the street brown bagging a cold tall boy, but some of the upper class want to walk the art galleries with a glass of wine. While granted...no one is getting jacked at the art walk unless someone crashes it with a brown bag, you can not have a law enforced unequally for two different social classes.
5) Anyone who alleges they spend lots of time talking to lots of people from around the country in chatrooms about the social climate in Charleston is either a big fat loser or big fat liar, probably both. The chat room must be "Losers R Us". Besides if you spend that much time chatting on your PC, they law will not effect you unless the Star Trek Convention comes to town....and we know how rowdy you Trekies get when tailgating. Different clingon groups start throwing hot dogs and stuff...it just gets ridiculous.
I think a lot of people will bitch because they like to bitch, but most of us really don't care and know that drinking has very little to do with the enjoyment of an event like the art walk, football games, or concerts.
They have repeatedly referred to this as tailgating, but many people have non-alcoholic tailgating parties and I don not think this applies to them. Does it?
Posted by moonpie on June 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You picked a good fight Chief. I mean you probably don't have anything else to do but arrest people drinking wine at an art event? I bet you could put all your officers on the east side and up around the north west side of the city (you know those areas no one likes to drive thru) and arrest enough to fill the jails daily! Leave the tail gaters alone!
Posted by willx45x on June 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Face it - we live in a society of political-correctness run amok. I encourage all law-abiding citizens to display civil disobedience and fight these outrageous infringements upon our rights. This is nothing but harassment by the police and it's things like this (and busting poker games) that have fed into the general lack of respect most people have for law enforcement. If you're tired of being harassed and tired of the local police running around like the SS brownshirts, I suggest you let your opinions be known. They will destroy the charm of Charleston if they are allowed to do so. This is what you get when you put a bunch of people with junior college degrees in positions of power.
Civil disobedience my friends! Fight the power! Brink your cold beer!
Posted by drp7773 on June 22, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If they cant make money at it they make it illegal, it's greed plain and simple, buy all you want inside at way to high prices so we can make money. You cant buy beer or alcohol on Sunday unless you go to a resturant then its ok.So what they are promoting is drinking and driving go to the restaurant and get a buzz then drive home but dont go to the store and buy a 6 pack and take it home and drink it where you are safe. What a joke.......
Posted by Missthang on June 22, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of yall people that post on here are hilarious. How would you know whats going on on the Eastside if thats a "neighborhood" you dont want to drive through. Yall believe everything that this crappy newspaper prints. Get a life. Believe none of what you hear and some of what you see. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Posted by JimbeauxIsland on June 22, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hope the CPD will be able to handle the post concert traffic then. Jack Johnson played at the Joe a few years back to a very similar crowd. The place was packed. We ended up tailgating afterwards not just because we wanted to continue the party but because the traffic was so terrible trying to get out of there it was best to wait it out in the parking lot and watch traffic crawl down Lockwood.
Posted by watchdog on June 22, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can bring your drink outside at Vickery's downtown, they own the parking lot....
Posted by rob327 on June 22, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The downside about not being able to drink in the lot before the dave matthews show is that the inside concessions will be completly overwhelmed. Even at sold out baseball games they run out of beer and you're luckly to get through the lines twice in 3 or 4 hours.
Posted by skeeter on June 22, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It didn't slow down traffic, but it certainly did cast a different tone," Corrigan said. "I understand that it's the law, but there's a feeling that this is changing the flavor of Charleston by doing this."
Sorry Mr. Corrigan but the flavor of Charleston was changed decades ago...to Vanilla.
Posted by deputy216 on June 22, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I happen to own a place on James Island and live in Georgia and come to Charleston on a regular basis and shop downtown. If it were not for the tourists visiting Charleston and shopping down town the business owners would suffer. With today’s economy you would think the tourist would be welcome, and so much for the saying about being a friendly city.
Posted by Perspective on June 22, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have spent many years traversing the south and can not remember any city in Georgia where it is legal to walk down the street drinking alcoholic beverages.
Anyone here is welcome to build your own place and have a big outside party.
deputy216 - Based on your name you may be in law enforcement in GA. Do you think our local cops should enforce the laws one way for one group of people and a different way for others?
I am all for people drinking, but if you base your fun on if you get to drink their is something wrong.
No one is saying people can not tailgate. Are they?
Posted by msplacedinsc on June 22, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Charleston is becoming a big wet blanket!
Posted by shoelaces on June 22, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Prior to the Joe and the Bristol being built these concerts and events were held at Brittlebank Park...remember Wave Fest, Blues Festivals, the Festival on the 4th??? We all brought our own alcohol to these...in the boats but we still brought our own. Nobody was making money. And I don't recall any major rowdiness or problems.
Now they have a venue (if you can call it that) for events to make money. Sure public intoxication is a problem sometimes but the main issue here is probably that of how to make more money and keep people under CONTROL.
Cheers!
Posted by wegwam on June 22, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"And now, police say Dave Matthews fans won't be able to grill out or sit on their cars drinking beer in public parking lots before the band's July Fourth show at Riley Park."
Perspective,
i believe that statement means no tailgating. i dont mind the not drinking, but me not being able to grill some brats and beer battered chicken is a problem. i guess ill just sell my tickets for a 200 dollar profit on each one
Posted by deputy216 on June 22, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
redandwhite_85:
Good riddance to the tourists. They just make it difficult to get around town for those of us who live here.To Perspective,this is what was posted.I for one agree that you should not be walking the streets drinking.I love Charleston and will spend my money here and if God is willing,i hope to move here.
Posted by wegwam on June 22, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and if God is willing, i hope you dont
Posted by 2cents on June 22, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CMLMADDOG..."LOL! Those rowdy kids on the art walks!!"
You won't LOL when those "kids" get in their cars to drive home and kill someone while DUI.
Posted by 2cents on June 22, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
msplacedinsc..."Charleston is becoming a big wet blanket!"
Then please...go somewhere else.
Posted by KidYendor on June 22, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember a Doors song where Jim yelled, "When are you going to stop letting people push you around?" You people support 2 a.m. closings, smoking bans, and now look what you have done. No one stands up for freedom so now you can't tailgate at a big concert and grill a hotdog and you now can fear for carrying your glass of wine outside. The City of Charleston and Greggy have given me the creeps. I have never seen so much Naziism in such short of a time. By concert time you might have to show your papers on the streets. There is too much wimpyness in our once fun, once inexpensive city. Wimps Wimps Wimps.
Posted by wonderdog on June 22, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is not a "Charleston problem" - it is going on in a lot of other areas. At Chapel Hill, tailgaiting with a beer will get you a $400+ ticket.
As Perspective noted:
3) The police don't make the laws, they are just tasked with trying to enforce them equally.
We live in a society where there is no personal responsibility and a large number of lawyers willing to file lawsuits when a drunk trips on a sidewalk or walks/stumbles out onto the highway in front of an innocent driver. That is unfortunate for the rest of us.
Posted by dr_fed on June 22, 2008 at 1:09 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by KidYendor on June 22, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry mouth, grilling a hot dog and drinking a beer or soda pop in a big parking lot with happy concert goers on a beautiful, sunny Fourth of July is fun. I think that is an idea of fun that is welcome most anywhere, but you may be right. Everywhere except Charleston, South Carolina, the city where tyranny rules and the tolerance of fun, liberty, and freedom is ridiculed.
Posted by MSC on June 22, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Columbia PD doesn't seem to have an issue with this seven Saturdays a year with 80,000+. Maybe Charleston PD could use a seminar on this "problem".
Most people are party responsible. Those who don't should be punished.
Posted by deputy216 on June 22, 2008 at 1:45 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by nappyd on June 22, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
relax, let the cops party. they just want to hear ants marching.
wait, did i read that right when it said cops would just be letting people know about the law and not arresting them/writing them up?
"Mullen said the city simply is trying to maintain a safe environment, not ruin anybody's good time. He said he won't send in teams to bust people and issue summonses but that there will be officers at the Dave Matthews concert to let people know the law, and hope they will comply. "
so basically they're getting paid to walk around and check out the females? ... nice.
Posted by carolinapanther on June 22, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just follow the law and quit crying about it like little babies that dont get your way! You all sound so pathetic, get over it!!!!
Posted by carolinapanther on June 22, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I for one support Chief Mullen and the CPD. Thanks for enforcing the laws in our city.
Posted by asdpe on June 22, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I have spent many years traversing the south and can not remember any city in Georgia where it is legal to walk down the street drinking alcoholic beverages"
Have you been to Savannah? Unless the law's changed in the last few years.......I remember plenty of times walking around on River Street and it was legal to go out of a bar with your drink (that they served you in a plastic to-go cup). And when we did that, we'd always say to ourselves,
"wow, why don't they do this in Charleston?"
Posted by ForPnC on June 22, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
asdpe - I was in Savannah just last weekend and when I ordered a beer on the river front they asked if it was "for here or to go." I said TO GO!
I also agree with KidYendor (who'da thunk it?) in that our rights are being taken one by one and we're letting them do it.
Posted by UrGatorbait on June 22, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mouth- Tourism is a critical component of this states revenue. So let them come. If they bring money be industrious and intelligent enough to figure out how to take it from them legally. No one can have opinions but you and few others on here about ways to improve things. It's easier to tell them to leave. Why don't you just crawl your miserable backside under the lily pad you came out form under.
If people don't like the law then they can vote to overturn it. Then they can gripe about all they want if they don't like it. It's unfortunate they even have to have this type of law but when people forget about acting responsibly you get thees types of laws. Who's making the money on these people when they buy beer? Not some damn liberal from up north. The Yankees Mouth piece rails about are just convenient targets for whatever ails their sad lives at that particular moment.
Tailgating at sports events is a time honored event but just not in Chucktown. I hear Virginia Beach is a hoping place.
Posted by jammanofdi on June 22, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey - I'm all for enforcing laws. But, enforce them EQUALLY (as I posted yesterday). Does anyone think that their new policy will change anything at the congregations in front of stores along Meeting Street?? I wish it would, but cops would rather hassle the (for the most part) law abiding citizens. Additionally, it is racist to hassle the black men hanging around gas stations, brown bags in hand. This behavior is part of their heritage and we should embrace it - it's part of the melting pot of our culture.
(notice the sarcasm pouring from my body...) What a crock of $hit!
Posted by Perspective on June 22, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So which is actually?
Is it illegal to "grill out or drink beer"?
or
Is it illegal to "grill out and drink beer"?
Am I understanding from the P&C that BOTH are publicly illegal before games or concerts?
-- Those really upset about the public drinking ban (that has long been in place) should really consider themselves the minority.
Kid Yendor - Yes, We the vast majority do support 2am closings, the indoor smoking ban, and EQUAL enforcement of the ban on public drinking. If you would like - move out past Jedburg, buy yourself a couple of acres behind trailer home, open an all night bar that gives out free cigarettes, allow everyone to drink and pi$$ inside or in the parking lot, throw in a couple of fat pregnant strippers on the weekends. Little square pop-up tents over some picnic tables along the wood line would also be a nice touch. Those of us who don't frequent your establishment will remain in the city and appreciate the fact that our government continues to try and serve the will of the people by enforcing laws in a fair and EQUAL fashion. Yes the city has a high crime rate (both murder and robbery), but at least they are trying.
Maybe they should hand out hippy beads, quote Jim Morrison, and not enforce any laws. I am sure that will work.
Posted by willbillbedamned on June 22, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perspective. I guess you haven't been out past Jedburg recently. We got us a real live civilization out here now.Actually it sounds like you never leave home
Posted by Carolina_Politics on June 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It’s about time they started cracking down on those belligerent art goers. Do you see how out of control they are, blustering about from gallery to gallery with their Sauvignon Blanc, leaving bedlam and pandemonium in their wake? Praise be to God that Charleston has a police chief like Greg Mullen with the courage and the foresight to protect us from these artsy troublemakers.
Are you kidding me??
Go over to Europe. People walk down the streets over there with alcohol in their hand and nobody gives a damn because it’s NOT A BIG DEAL! I spent time in Germany a few years ago and people drink on the street. They drink on the subway. They drink on the bus. It’s not a problem. And….. you better sit down for this one….. they can buy it when they’re 16 years old. GASP!
For a nation that touts itself as the Land of the Free we sure have a hell of a lot of restrictions that most other nations don’t.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com
Posted by jsapko on June 22, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does this really mean that it is illegal? I took the hints in the article as we dont want the drinking and tailgating, but we will not be enforcing anything other than warnings from the last paragraph in the article, does anyone else take it that way? Can they really ticket and enforce if you sit in the back of your truck, play a game and drink a beer with friends? Does anyone else know or feel the same way?
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on June 22, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I am a SC native, my family is currently stationed in Europe. I live off post in Nufringen, Germany, just outside of Stuttgart. I have never ever seen open containers on the street and I walk around my village and visit downtown Stuttgart frequently. People have open containers…of gelato. More than drinking, smoking is huge here, but they are cutting down on that too [in public places]. While the drinking age is lower than in the states, drinking decorum is about the same these days. They’ve moved into the 21st century and promote responsible drinking and responsible behavior. Perhaps they are “boozin’ it in the streets” in other parts of Europe, but I can speak for my recent experiences in Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
I agree that slowly our freedoms are being taken, but perhaps as this issue goes, SC is not so backwards after all.
jammanofdi ,
“…This behavior is part of their heritage…” Where did you get that information? Not only is your statement divisive, but to make a statement like that in your attempt to show your bigotry is reckless, dim-witted, and disgraceful.
Posted by you_are on June 22, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OUTRAGEOUS... seriously? it's a concert. who, other than some douchebags on a power trip, doesn't like a little cold beer and burgers before a show? even north charleston knows how to get down and leave you alone to tailgate. get a life and quit trying to make ours miserable.
Posted by Cid95 on June 22, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm also unclear on whether any type of pre-game or pre-concert congregating in the parking lot (cooking out, grilling) is prohibited or not. I doubt that, since the law being referenced is against public drinking.
So, if correct, I read this as "keep it under control and don't display any alcohol containers". Most of you have been to college games where outside alcohol is prohibited, right? Same deal, easy to manage.
My_50Cents - You've never been to the 'Stadtzentrum' and seen people, often students or backpackers, sitting around drinking a few beers? It's a common occurence in Germany and other northern European cities that I know. But, their drinking culture is <mostly> under control and pretty mellow. It's also common in Tokyo and other large Asian cities.
Posted by dr_fed on June 22, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Mouth of the South
You say Europe is a mess meanwhile I sit and watch this country descend into a 3rd world status everyday. I bet you are one of those people who drive around in a big SUV with the all those bush and sc gop stickers on them. Am I right?
Posted by KidYendor on June 23, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I watch the History Channel shows of past wars and they talk about soldiers "who died to protect our freedom", I just take that quite literally. To me, that covers not only foreign invasion but also our system of government and our national and local government's layering new rules and laws on us day after day. If we want to have some sense of living in a "free" country we must not let our soldiers who have gone to the Lord to protect our "freedom" to have lost their lives in vain as government encroaches on everything we do without protest. It doesn't matter if its a new 70 percent income tax or the fine for grilling hotdogs peacefully in a pre-concert parking lot on the Fourth of July. People who are telling us to get out of town if you don't like it or get over it are people who have given up on freedom and what these soldiers sacrificed for our liberty. Soldiers use bullets against the enemy and our bullets must be the words that we can say and type to protest against outrageous control of the little things we do that bother very few.
Posted by blueline on June 23, 2008 at 3:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The open container in public ordinance has been on the boooks for a VERY long time. It was just ignored by CPD as it applied to certain people. Tickets are written for open container all the time on the East Side, go down to the city's criminal court some time and see for yourselves. Uniform enforcement of the law is not something that can draw lawsuits (for you Spruill Avenue attorneys posting comments). It is the LACK of uniform enforcement, and that is what we have had for YEARS in this city. If anything, the city and CPD have been lucky over the yeasr that some savvy lawyer has not been able to make a connection between any DUI related deaths and the intentional lack of enforcement of the law at the 'white' venues (THERE- I said it).
Most of you are making my point for me, anyway.... "Why don't they go down to the East Side and write tickets for open container and leave us alone to drink OUR beer in public?" The only people who are going to be encouraged to stay away from Charleston by this are the elitist snobs. I encourage you all to make good on the threat.
Posted by CedarPosts on June 23, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A day after this article first ran and I'm still thinking of Chief Barney cracking down on Otis for drinking in "downtown" Mayberry.
The ban on drinking in public is pretty common throughout the south and police normally use the law to arrest those who are out of hand, ie Otis. But if 15,000 people in the parking lot at the Joe have a beer in their hand I really doubt Barney is going to do anything.
After all that is why we have can wrappers http://www.drinkingstuff.com/ and plastic sippy cups.
I'm not much of drinker, so guests in my home drink my beer more than I do. But I've been known to take a glass of wine "on the road" as passenger or walk down the sidewalk with a stadium cup full of beer.
When we are confronted daily with murder, rape and robbery it's surprising that our police chief has "drawn a line in the sand" over public consumption of alcohol.
But Barney has his reasons, you know you got to nip it! Nip it in the bud or things might just get out of hand.
Posted by CedarPosts on June 23, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Post Script:
As you may have heard, George Carlin passed away yesterday or was it mobaday. (you won't get unless you over 40)
You might already know but I'm a big fan of humor and Carlin was the best at the laugh, as well as poking big brother in the ribs from time to time.
In honor of George Carlin I'll now tell you the seven Seven Words You Can Never Say On The Radio"
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Oh well you can always read the seven words at:
http://cedarposts.blogspot.com
Posted by Paul on June 23, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stupid laws and there "enforcement" are just that.
I will NEVER pay for parking at a public beach like Folly and I will ALWAYS take my drink outside at the proper venue.
JUst try and stop a Jimmy Buffett pre-concert tailgaiting !
Posted by counterpoint on June 23, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are all diseased!
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on June 23, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cid95,
I see people -sitting- around drinking all the time. As you, know having a frothy adult beverage is very common here. My experiences dispute the comment, “People walk down the streets over there with alcohol in their hand and nobody gives a damn because it’s NOT A BIG DEAL!”
I guess given my life style, I’m not where all the action is. I spent 2003-2007 in Okinawa, JP and have been here since. I can honestly say I have not seen the kind of open container, slush fest activities that were mentioned…unless one is attending a festival.
If someone is at a Biergarten enjoying outdoor seating that’s one thing, but I don’t see people walking around in the Duetsche Post or Rewe parking lot with an open Heifferviesen.
Posted by theronce on June 23, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just another case of messing with the honest folk instead of putting any effort into dealing with the criminals. Voters, tax payers, and normal folks are so easy to mess with.
Posted by MissVAbch on June 23, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Va Beach DOES have open container laws. They also have 'no profanity' signs posted all along the boardwalk and main strip. It is a clean, safe and friendly place.
They also have road signs that are visible, helmet laws, high cigarette taxes and no smoking in dining which in turn, apparently, creates less of a smoking problem. (Gah! When I moved here I couldn't believe all the smokers I see puffin' away in their cars, walking down the street, etc.)
Va Beach also has car inspections. You don't see clunky-de-clunkers all over the place. They also...get ready for this one...maintain the roads!! This place has gone to the dumps. The potholes and lack of street signs. Weeds, weeds, weeds, and power lines galore. And the crime. Unbelievable!
So, you can say, 'well move back there'. Give me the extra push because I'm ready to go.
Is SC at the bottom of every list that comes out? Where are the bike paths?
This area has so much potential. It saddens me that the good ole boys have let this place go. This place is so backwards. I just hope that it will improve. It can't get much worse.
Posted by justus1017 on June 23, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? IT'S ALL RIGHT FOR WHITES TO BE ON THE BATTERY CHILLIN BUT AS SOON AS TOO MANY BLACKS START TO GO DOWN THERE THEY BARRACADE THE STREETS. WHITES STAND ON THE CORNER THEY ARE ENJOYING COVERSATION. BLACKS ON THE CORNER THEY ARE LOITERING OR SELLING DRUGS. BE FOR REAL THE LAWS SHOULD REPLY FOR TAILGATING OUTSIDE, PUBLIC DRUNKENESS, PUBLIC NUISANCE AND DISTURBING THE PEACE, BLOCKING THE RIGHT OF WAY, ETC......MORE PEOPLE GET LOCK UP ON THE EASTSIDE THAN DOWN IN THE MARKET WHERE THEY REALLY ACT AS FOOLS
Posted by Cid95 on June 23, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My_50Cents,
Fair enough. The idea that people in DE are just going about their daily business at the post office, bank, grocery store, etc with a Warsteiner in their hand is certainy incorrect.
Of course, and this applies in Jopan or Germany, if it's festival time all bets are off! Or also if there is a big football (soccer) game. People are drinking all over the place from morning on. I read that for the European final 245,000L of beer was ordered.
So, the sporting event analogy regarding American tailgating is, I believe, correct.
***POST AND COURIER*** Fix your autocensor so that the name of the island nation to the east of China can be typed!!!
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on June 23, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
C95:
Is that not crazy?? Note I resorted to using JP...now you know why...Then the message pops up, "watch your mouth..." -That country is a bad word.-
Anyway, I just wanted to dispel that myth…Glad we're on the same page...at the moment. Tschuss.
Posted by bigwhip on June 23, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
King Mullen and his party nazis. Public safty first; deterring crime later.
Posted by berthelot on June 23, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The art walks were getting out of hand anyway because a bunch of college students found the free wine much more interesting than the art. Most of the galleries cut the wine before they were even required to. I think at that point people started bringing their own and thus began the "crack down".
Who really cares if you drink on the street? The issue is being DRUNK on the street. In that same neighborhood that wine sipping was "cracked down" upon drunken morons invade the streets at closing time on a nightly basis; yelling, cursing, vandalism, fighting and fornication occur regularly. Yet I see no "crack down" in that department.
Again, the issue is not DRINKING in the street, but being DRUNK in the street.
Posted by CedarPosts on June 23, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MissVAbch - It might just be that you've been to the wrong places in South Carolina.
Like Charleston if you go to far this way or that and you might not come back. I know some places in Virgina and West Virgina where I know you wouldn't come back unless you're real ugly and then that's only because you're related to all of them.
I really take the good with the bad and most folks who don't live in gated communities and belong to country clubs.
Pay for a first class airline ticket and you don't have to sit next to 300 pounds of bubba and his wad of chew, 1/4 of which is in his mouth, another 1/4 in a dixe cup and the another 1/2 is on his shirt, in his seat or on you.
Me I'd rather sit with bubba than listen to some hubris suit tell me about his Lexus, and how much money he's making on the deal he's putting together.
Respect and tolerance. Two traits that would go a long way to make your life more enjoyable.
I respect you right to chew and I tolerate it when you miss that cup.
Ain't that right bubba?
Posted by Southern_Pride on June 23, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm proud to be an American!!! Say that out loud, it feels good. Especially those whose heritage goes back four and five generations. I am proud of my family who worked the salt of the earth just to feed their family. I am proud of my family that would help a neighbor in need. I am proud that the men, real men in my family went to war for my freedoms. I'm not proud of some of our leaders that to them making a buck (Mr. Joe) means more to them than tradition/and a right of passage.
Out with the old and in with the (line my pockets) in real estate deals and where ever you can make money. The more the city earns the better your paycheck. You have forgotten
your real salt of the earth people and let your politics, power and money get in the way of a majority that has a right to live tradition. The individuals that get out of hand should be punished but not everyone.
The few people that complain about a tailgate get together are the very ones who would not even be at a concert, don't like hamburgers, hot dogs or beer. They are not down to earth people, salt of the earth true Americans if they can not compromise, be diverse and be glad they are in the company of such good people, solid Americans proud to be free. We have earned our rights.
Where has your southern heritage gone Mr. Joe?
The truth is. It's not about what is right or wrong anymore it is only about generating revenues.
Posted by PalmettoDP on June 23, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice to know the city has its priorities (sarcasm). Play poker while tailgating and you'll really be in trouble!
Of course I don't think the police should tolerate public drunkeness, but these rules are going overboard.
Posted by wonderdog on June 23, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like to have a beer or two at a tailgate party as much as anybody, but I'm not going to risk an expensive ticket if it's against the law (for example, at Chapel Hill). If you don't like the law, work to get it changed. Don't blame the police for doing their jobs. The cops really are damned if they do, damned if they don't in this town. I think that anyone who has been in Charleston pre-Greenberg would agree.....there has been a lot of improvement in local law enforcement. Should a police chief alter or cease the enforcement of a law based on the objections to the law by a group of people? Do we really want that?
Posted by mrcitadel2008 on June 27, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who hired Chief Mullen? Since this guy has gotten here Citadel Tailgating and other events around the Stadium just do not have the same vibe. I had a mid 30's Female Crack addict break into my home last week at 4:45 am and attempt to Steal things in front of my roommates and I. I was extremely disappointed with how long it took the police to respond, even when I am located just off 17 in Avondale. The cops were more concerned with how and why than apprehending the suspect (Which was moving at an alarming rate of "Stumbling down the street while we watched her fall over". We have unsolved rape cases and break-ins at an All-time high, but this Chief Mullen is too worried about cracking down on Citadel Cadets and Alumni celebrating in the parking lot? (Come on, its not like we win every game anyways) Dave Matthews should be an event that everyone should be able to enjoy, as long as they do not act ridiculous in the parking lot or in the Concert itself. I would not be worried about the no drinking law in the parking lots if the police would only take care of more pressing issues that Charleston is facing. As with anything, the police force needs to start with the really bad stuff before they bother Art connoisseurs and dedicated music fans.