Enforcement of 2-6 a.m. alcohol sales ban begins

Folly Beach — Enforcement began early today for a new city ordinance prohibiting alcohol sales between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

City Council approved the ordinance last month. It affects only two stores — Bert's Market and a Kangaroo convenience store — that are open in the wee hours. Enforcement was put on hold, however, until a motion to reconsider the ordinance was voted on Tuesday.

Council voted 4-3 not to reconsider, meaning the ordinance stands, and Mayor Carl Beckmann Jr. said enforcement was to begin early today.

Council also voted to establish a limited area in which personal water craft, such as jet skis, can operate on the beach. The personal water craft zone is on the east side of the Folly pier, at the second city block.

Proponents of the alcohol sales ordinance have said they hope it will prevent bar patrons from buying more alcohol and continuing to drink on the beach after the bars close at 2 a.m.

Folly Beach is the only community in South Carolina that allows alcohol consumption on the beach. Bottles and cans are prohibited, but cups are OK. Many who opposed the ordinance believe those who want to continue drinking after bars close will drive to nearby James Island for alcohol and return.

Julia Hastings, manager of Bert's Market, said the store's ownership opposed the ordinance but will comply with it. She said she fears the law will "make the highways not safe because people will leave the island to go purchase alcohol."

Beckmann voted to reconsider the ordinance, which he said should have been altered. He said early morning alcohol-related incidents in the city are rare, and if the problem is drinking on the beach, that is what should be banned. Otherwise, Beckmann said, the city should "get out of the businessman's pocket."

Councilwoman Laura Beck, who voted for the ordinance on first and second readings, asked for the reconsideration. She said she came to doubt the ordinance would have the desired effect, and citizen input was heavily against it.

"You can still buy beer at 1:59 a.m. and go sit on the beach and drink it," Beck said.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at efennell@postandcourier.com or 937-5560.

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