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Conn. Fails to Pass Open-Container Law
May 8, 2008

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News Summary

Having open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle is prohibited in most states, but Connecticut lawmakers recently failed in an attempt to add the Constitution State to the list, the New London Day reported May 7.

The state House of Representatives failed to approve a Senate-passed open-container bill, citing concerns that it would be effectively banning tailgating at football games and that it could lead to racial profiling of blacks and Latinos. Connecticut is one of just seven states where it remains legal to have open containers of alcohol in cars.

Bill sponsor Rep. Tom Reynolds said a friend whose child was killed by a drunk driver asked him, "'Tom, why is it legal in Connecticut to drive down the highway with an open bottle of whiskey in my cup holder?' ... I didn't have an answer for him."

House Majority Leader Chris Donovan said that, at a minimum, the bill's language would have to be amended to address the tailgating issue.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Posted by cheryl morrison on 13 Sep 08 06:31 PM EDT
I was shocked to hear some states still allowed open containers in motor vehicles. I grew up in California where it is totally illegal. There is no good reason to allow someone to cruise around with alcohol in their clutches. I know the law says the passenger, but come one...who is fooling who? How are you going to police who is actually drinking the open container? Just ban it and no worry.

Posted by Sean Clayton on 03 Jun 09 06:36 AM EDT
It is still illegal in Connecticut for the driver to be drunk, or drinking, and driving. It is also very easy for the police to "police" who is drinking since we now have breathalyzers; your concerns may be relevant but not valid. To be clear, I do not want passengers to drink inside my vehicle so I have instituted my own private ban.

Posted by chris finnegan on 10 Jun 09 08:14 PM EDT
I am glad there are still sane and clear thinking individuals out there. I couldn't have said it any better than Sean Clayton. We don't need more unnecessary laws.

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