
WILMINGTON — School is out for the summer and vacation season is here in New Hanover County and the surrounding area. For many that means heading out for a day of sun and sand while enjoying an ice-cold beer – but depending on the beach, this seemingly innocuous action could land visitors with a fine or even a criminal charges.
In the Town of Kure Beach, town ordinance forbids the consumption of alcohol as well as open containers on the beach and public property, the first offence costs violators $50 and a second offence is a misdemeanor.
According to the Carolina Beach website, alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. In Freeman Park, it is illegal to possess spirituous liquor and/or fortified wine according to N.C. General Statute.
In the Town of Topsail Beach, only beer is allowed on the beaches, fortified wines and spirited liquors are not permitted, according to the Topsail Police Department. Guests are required to take all trash out with them when visiting Topsail Beach.
Visitors to Surf City are allowed to consume alcohol on the beach but according to town ordinances, it is illegal to consume the drinks within 500 feet of the Roland Avenue beach access gazebo, glass containers are also prohibited.
For those heading to Wrightsville Beach, the consumption of alcohol on the beaches is always prohibited, as is carrying an open container.
State and federal laws always apply such as the legal drinking age.
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Reporter Michael Praats can be reached by email at michael.p@localvoicemedia.com