Have restrictions on public drinking been weakened during the pandemic?
The coronavirus-related shutdowns appear to be weakening longstanding U.S. laws against drinking in public. The laws originated during Prohibition, and in recent times states have repealed laws against public intoxication in favor of more easily enforced limits on open alcohol containers.
Some states have loosened restrictions to keep bars in business during the coronavirus outbreak. The governor of Texas has hinted its new takeout policy may become permanent. In Baltimore, to avoid overcrowding in jails, the city has said it will dismiss many non-violent criminal charges, including open container violations.
Racial disparities in enforcement lend support to calls for abolishing the laws. An analysis of New York public drinking citations found that since January only 7% of those were issued to white people, even though whites are 33% of the city's population.