Gainesville Open Container Laws

Gainesville open container laws are clear on possession of alcoholic beverage vessels in public places or in vehicles. Therefore next time you hang out with your friends, be sure not to leave with open containers from the club. Remember all these laws are for your safety and that of the public. If you do not follow the law you put yourself in danger; in addition, you could get charged.

Gainesville open container laws: Definition

An open container is defined as a vessel that is not closed and will allow immediate access to alcohol. The definition also covers all containers whose seal is broken. Any such containers need to be carried in the locked glove compartment or locked trunk.

In general, unsealed alcoholic containers should be kept away from the passenger area of the vehicle. Open or unsealed bottles, cans, jars or other vessels that have the ability to hold alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, or spirits are open containers under Gainesville open container laws. In addition, any bottle such as wine bottle whose receptacle has been partially or fully broken is prohibited.

Prohibited Areas

In Gainesville, it is illegal to consume or possess alcoholic beverages in parks and similar areas. These ‘similar places’ include public schools or municipally owned areas. This prohibition covers swimming pools and the stadium near Waldo road – Citizens Field.

However, the prohibitions above do not cover the airport terminal facility as long as alcohol is dispensed by a duly licensed person. You can also have alcohol in Thomas Center, Thelma Bolton Center and Boulware Spring provided you receive approval from the city manager. Consumption of alcoholic drinks in Down Plaza is limited to wines and beers and is subject to approval by the city manager.

Charges

Any driver found to violate the law shall be guilty of a non-criminal offence and will be fined or arrested. Under Gainesville open container law the driver will be guilty even if he or she was not in physical possession of the container. Passengers are not spared either. Any passenger who breaks the law will be fined. Similar fines or even an arrest may apply to those violating the law in public areas.

Key Points to note

You need not be necessarily intoxicated for you to break this law. This law applies to both passengers and drivers; however, the driver is taken to be in charge of the vehicle. The best way to avoid charges under this law is to keep alcoholic beverage bottles away from passenger areas.

From the information provided above, it is clear that Gainesville Open Container Laws are complex and should only be interpreted by a professional. Depending on the severity of the offence criminal charges may apply. Therefore in case you are found on the wrong, you should follow what the police order you to do. If you are arrested then you have to call a lawyer. Any attorney is not good enough for such an offence, therefore, choose to call one who has experience in handling such cases in Gainesville.