Dorchester County considers public alcohol ban

The Dorchester County Council is considering an ordinance that could outlaw drinking in public places.

The proposed ordinance stems from problems at the Givhans Boat Landing on the Edisto River. Sheriff L.C. Knight says drinking has become a problem at the landing with increased litter and at least one person being stabbed with a broken beer bottle.

Knight would like to see the ordinance reach to all public places including parking lots and public ball parks.

Some Dorchester residents say the ordinance would punish the entire county for the actions of a few.

According to Knight, permits should be made available for special events and private homes are not affected under the proposed ordinance.

He says this will give his team the authority to clean up the area and is based on safety concerns. Under current law, he is not able to effectively police the boat landing area. He says his deputies can drive up to a large group of people drinking at the landing and can do nothing unless they are fighting or are publicly intoxicated.

He says the law would give them a chance to be more proactive.