Eddo36 said:
Are you sure it is an infaction in California, specifically the Los Angeles county? Because I have been told by police that it is a misdemeanor.
They may have some additional offenses that are covered as a misdemeanor. But open container laws passed by local ordinance pursuant to B&P 25620 are infractions.
You would have to cite the SPECIFIC local code section for anyone to be certain (then we could look it up). There ARE circumstances where it might be a misdemeanor, but it is something more than simply an open container ... perhaps an open container on certain commercial properties, for instance.
And what is wrong with wondering drinkers who aren't drunk. Prohibition?
No - not prohibition: littering, expectorating, urination, image. Business owners and residents just aren't keen with the image of people wandering about their streets slamming brews. It's not a positive image.
Most these ordinances tend to be in effect in downtown or commercial areas for a host of reasons. And since it does not prevent ANYONE from drinking, it is NOT "prohibition". These laws only restrict the location and, perhaps, the hours in which someone can drink in certain areas open to the public.
You are always free to tipple in your home or at the home of a friend. In fact, you can get totally blotto in your own home! Just don't go outside or get drunk in a bar.
- Carl