Drinking in public (US). Oh, and a question about censorship

Obfleur · Post by **Obfleur** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 11:00 pm

Is it true that you can't have a couple of beers out in public in the US?
No "Hey, let's grab some food, wine and beers and sit in the park and relax"-adventures (which is an awesome activity during the summer)?
I'm going to New York next year and need to know in what ways I need to alter my behaviour.

And about the censorship: are you guys now bleeping "Jesus christ" and "god"? I might've misunderstood something, but I think Ricky Gervais got muted/bleeped when he said "Jesus christ" during the Golden Globe's.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 3:46 am

Yes to both. No drinking in public or taking the lords name in vane on tv.

Hot Shot · Post by **Hot Shot** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:01 am

I'm pretty sure "GOD!" is allowed. I remember a few years back there were kid's cartoons where characters would say "Oh my god". As for "Jesus(Christ)", it varies from station to station. Comedy Central's fine with it, at least.

As far as drinking in public, I don't know anything beyond the driving ban.

Obfleur · Post by **Obfleur** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:44 am

Well, that's sad

Post by **Best First** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:56 am

You can't drive in public?!

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:47 am

Best First wrote:You can't drive in public?!

Of course not! How dare you even make light of such at thing!?!?

Obfleur · Post by **Obfleur** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:58 am

Can I drive in the privacy of my own home?

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 12:28 pm

Obfleur wrote:Can I drive in the privacy of my own home?

I think that depends, mostly, on the size of your home.

Post by **Best First** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 12:59 pm

Obfleur wrote:Can I drive in the privacy of my own home?

even if you it's still a sin in the eyes of jeeeeesus

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 1:34 pm

Best First wrote:
Obfleur wrote:Can I drive in the privacy of my own home?
even if you it's still a sin in the eyes of jeeeeesus

Ah-hem. It's pronounced "Jebus."

Hot Shot · Post by **Hot Shot** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 2:59 pm

Professor Smooth wrote:
Best First wrote:
Obfleur wrote:Can I drive in the privacy of my own home?
even if you it's still a sin in the eyes of jeeeeesus
Ah-hem. It's pronounced "Jebus."

Naw, Jebus is God's only school bus. Its starter died for your sins.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:14 pm

Why can't they, just once, have the bleep guy censor a televangelist broadcast.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:16 pm

In terms of drinking, it's all about the state laws. In Louisiana, for instance, you can plop a keg down on the corner and hand out cups to people who pass. You can get alcoholic drinks served to you while you're still in your car.

I would venture to guess however that most states have what's known as an "open container" law. This basically means that it's illegal to visibly have an open container of alcohol (ie, you're consuming it) in public spaces. Some comments on this:
- This is why homeless people drink beer cans in paper bags. If you're not blatant, then they usually won't bother you.
- It's also about the setting. For example, if I were to go to a public pool, the law would be strictly enforced. If I went to someplace that is more difficult to enforce, say a state park, then chances are no one will bother me and the rules will place more of an emphasis on not having glass bottles (due to breakage) rather than not having alcohol.
- This law can get a lot more strict in the context of driving. For example, there have been incidents where an individual has a six pack, drinks one or two, and then the half drunk six pack is counted as an open container.
- Finally, like many things in America, there is probably a racial tinge to enforcement. That is to say, as a (presumably?) white guy, this law isn't really meant to police you, but other "undesirables" whose presence and consumption of alcohol in public spaces creates unease in the general populace.