Savannah’s open container policy is a unique characteristic of the city.
Many have observed Savannah as a European-inspired town, which is reflected in its architecture, food and culture.
While taking in the sights on a trolley or a walking tour, guests will undoubtedly hear of Savannah’s interesting love affair with alcohol. Prohibition is a part of Savannah’s history. General Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia’s First City, imposed very strict laws including the banning of alcohol. This comes decades before the 18th amendment prohibiting the sale, transportation and consumption of alcohol. But Southern rumrunners took the risk; moonshine made its way onto the scene as alcohol went underground until the repeal of the law by President Franklin Roosevelt.
Now, the law basically flipped on its head. Today, alcohol is permitted (and often consumed) in public in open containers. Have you ever noticed how it is almost a natural, even encouraged, to “take a traveler” when bar- or party-hopping? It is a common practice Savannah locals enjoy, but may not fully appreciate until they head out of state. Savannah is one of only a handful of cities that has an open container policy.
Fun Activities in the Historic District
What is Savannah’s open container policy?
The legislation in Savannah simply permits patrons and party goers to carry open drinks. The legal way to consume said drinks are in a plastic, 16-ounce cup (not bottles, mugs or flasks) and in the parameters of the Historic District. This encompasses everything from River Street to Jones Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to West Broad Street. With no federal or state law restricting open containers, local legislation and Savannah sided in favor of open containers and to-go cups. Cheers!
Savannah never shies from a good time.
It should come as no surprise that the open container policy serves (pun intended) the city and its guests well with larger annual events. The biggest event is Savannah’s famous St. Patrick’s Day festivities, during which to-go cups abound. The New Year’s Eve tradition on River Street is not to celebrate with a ball drop, but instead with the dropping a big red to-go cup. If New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, law states that alcoholic beverages can be served until 3:30 a.m.
Aside from Savannah, few cities in the United States permit patrons to carry drinks in open containers. Other sites with open container policies exceptions include the city of New Orleans and Beale Street in Memphis.
Rest assured, as long as you wander the streets of the Historic District, you can safely bet you’ll be allowed to sip and savor.