The days of open containers of boozy beverages on Folly Beach in Charleston are over, at least temporarily.
Alcohol is not allowed on any public beach in South Carolina, including Folly Beach. The term ‘alcohol allowed’ applies only to private property, such as rental homes and decks, not to public areas of the beach.
Folly Beach, which was previously the only Charleston area beach to allow alcohol in public, just passed an emergency ban prohibiting open containers as a result of a July 4 brawl that broke out near East 10 Street. The brawl, described by onlookers as a “riot,” resulted in multiple officers being injured, according to Public Safety Chief Dennis Brown. Two have yet to return to work.
The “rioters” came to Folly via four tour buses on the morning of July 4th and parked on a 75-yard by 30-yard patch of sand on East 10th Street. The fight began sometime later in the day. Seven people were arrested, and four officers were injured.
Fighting wasn’t the only nuisance on Folly on the 4th. Residents and vacationers reported people urinating in front of their houses, and garbage was also an issue.
Before the July 4th, concern had grown about the safety of Folly Beach, especially regarding open containers. Just days before the incident, The Folly newsletter, “The Sandspur”, printed a warning to Folly residents stating date-rape drugs were making their way into people’s drinks, and the sale of crack cocaine and “bath salts” were on the rise. The newsletter also warned residents of home break-ins occurring in the area. Open container laws may or may not help the problem.
After the July 4th incident, Folly Beach has temporarily banned open containers of alcohol on the beach for 60 days due to safety concerns following the brawl.
The emergency ban means open containers of alcohol are banned on the public beach, beach accesses, and walkways. Events approved by the City Council may allow alcohol consumption in designated areas.
Chief Brown says the number of incidents on the beach has dropped. Crime within the city of Folly Beach, however, is up. City officials say a third of all arrests on Folly Beach are alcohol related, as reported by the city. Police on Folly Beach report several tickets were issued for drinking alcohol on the beach, with fines sometimes exceeding $1,000. Violations of alcohol consumption regulations on the beach can result in fines exceeding $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail. Ignoring a ticket for drinking on the beach can lead to a bench warrant later. Can banning open containers help this problem?
No group has acknowledged responsibility for the July 4 melee on the beach. A.M.P., an Atlanta-based event company, and Good Ole Boys, a South Carolina-based clothing company, both claim they have been scapegoats. They both had tents around the 10 Street area.
Many residents say they will miss sitting on the beach sipping adult beverages. Former Mayor Bob Linville says he enjoys sitting on the beach with a can of beer in his hand.
Various solutions were discussed during the Tuesday night council meeting. Folly Beach City Council temporarily banned alcohol consumption on the beach for 60 days, until September 11th. Local restaurants and bars view this as an opportunity to capitalize on the ban and attract new customers to their places of business. Many restaurants on Folly Beach serve alcoholic beverages, and beachfront rentals allow alcohol consumption on private property.
Alcohol consumption is not allowed on Folly Beach public areas, as stated in the city rules, but is permitted on private property such as rental homes and decks. The term ‘alcohol allowed’ only applies to these private spaces, not to the public beach.
South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been charged with an open container offense or other alcohol related offenses, contact the South Carolina criminal defense lawyer at the Strom Law Firm, LLC, today to see how we can help. We understand honest mistakes happen to good people. Our South Carolina criminal defense will fight to protect your rights and help secure a beneficial outcome for you. Contact the Strom Law Firm today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800
Access and Parking
Visiting Folly Beach is a breeze thanks to multiple beach access points and well-maintained parking areas managed by Charleston County Parks and the City of Folly Beach. Whether you’re heading to the West End County Park or parking along East Ashley Avenue, it’s important to know the parking rules to avoid fines and keep your visit stress-free.
Look for clearly marked ADA accessible parking spaces, which are reserved for vehicles displaying a visible ADA license tag. Diagonal parking is required in certain areas, and always pay attention to red street lines, yellow lines, and areas marked with a white line—these indicate no parking zones. Never park on private driveways, block public walkovers, or leave your vehicle in a way that could be considered abandoned. Blocking public access or parking near fire hydrants and yellow curbs is strictly prohibited.
Folly Beach ordinances are designed to protect both visitors and the environment. Open fires, fireworks, and alcohol are not allowed on the beach, and as of March 2021, smoking is prohibited on the sand and at all beach accesses. To help keep the beach clean and safe for everyone, always remove all your personal property—including tents, umbrellas, and trash—when you leave. Participating in beach cleanups or simply picking up after yourself helps preserve the natural beauty of Folly Beach.
Respect the sand dunes and beach sea oats, which play a vital role in preventing erosion and providing habitat for endangered species like adult sea turtles and hatchling turtles. Never leave personal items or trash near the dunes, and always fill holes dug in the sand before you go. These simple actions protect the beach environment and ensure safe nesting grounds for sea turtles.
For those looking to surf, swim, or fish, be sure to follow posted beach rules and stay within designated swimming zones. The fishing pier and front beach areas are popular spots for recreation, but always be mindful of public safety and the instructions of city officials.
By following parking rules, respecting protected areas, and keeping the beach clean, you help maintain the unique charm and natural beauty of Folly Beach. Whether you’re catching waves, enjoying a sunset, or just relaxing on the sand, remember to visit responsibly and take pride in this special coastal destination.