Drinking In Public-- Okay or Not Okay?

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

I would like to be able to walk my dog on a sunny day, down to the park, and around the neighborhood while drinking a beer. As an American, living in a "free" country, I find it somewhat puzzling, and a little offensive that in my state I am not allowed to do so. It seems unfair and ridiculous. I like to drink beer while walking. I also like to do it while I work out. But when I bike, I have to hide my beer, and only bust it out to drink on breaks if I hide behind a tree somewhere.

I personally find no problem with drinking in public. But, my fellow lawmakers disagree with this concept. So what I am wondering is, where do you stand on this?

Hackfest · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 413

I didn't want to vote no, but I couldn't vote yes either. Have you seen Rope? I somewhat feel that way, but unfortunately there really isn't a way to define different types of people and give them exclusive rights like that. Especially in today's far too PC world. Too many people are violent, would get hit by cars, steal, etc. for it to be okay to be drunk in public. I would like to be able to drink a beer at the park, trouble is all the others who would ruin a family experience by doing the same. Cecil is a Native American who lives downtown Tacoma. The medics have scraped his passed out self off of the sidewalk so many times, he currently has a bill of OVER two million dollars. Cecil will never pay that. I will. He aggressively panhandles until the point where he does pass out on the sidewalk to boot.

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

But clearly, the law doesn't stop Cecil. It already doesn't stop homeless people who drink wherever they want. No, instead, what it stops is legitimate and law-abiding beer enthusiasts like myself from being able to do the same thing.

Plus, a notable distinction-- I am not asking for it to be legal to be drunk in public. Just to drink. Obviously, that would be a very difficult distinction to make if it wasn't for the fact that people who are drunk often make themselves known by committing other crimes, such as public obscenity, jay-walking, vandalism, violence, littering, etc.

I am not asking to be allowed to be a jerk in public. Just to enjoy a beer while I walk my dog.

Hackfest · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 413

No it doesn't, and I assumed that would be brought up. It does however, reduce the number of people like Cecil. What your are talking about wouldn't be a difficult distinction to make, it would be an impossible distinction to make. Besides, you have to assume that the law you want would follow the already existent law. You say you wouldn't want to be drunk in public, just enjoy a beer. Legally a beer will make most people drunk. I agreed that it would be good, but it is impossible and therefore only good as a wish.

Kizzume · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject:

I think there should be designated areas outside where people can drink, but I don't think people should be able to drink outside just anywhere.

Hiedi · Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Posts: 97

One problem with drinking in public; people eventually get in their cars and drive home.

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

Hiedi · Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Posts: 97

Kizzume · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

Well, since I feel that people should be able to drink in designated places outside, I decided to vote "yes".

debateman · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 349 Location: New Mexico

I think drinking in public is a bad idea, but that's because it's public. Public is a place for mutual respect that should be designed to protect children. Therefore drinking should occur in the back yard, away from kids other than your own.