As Spring Break peaks this week in Port Aransas, police report no major disturbances or arrests on the beach due to the new drinking ban. The Port A city council passed a new ordinance in February which outlaws consumption of alcohol on public beaches between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. during Spring Break, which this years ends Sunday, March 20.
The ordinance was put in place to protect spring breakers from binge-drinking and the aggressive behavior that may arise. Fights, endless litter and tickets amounting to public intoxication are just a few concerns the city wanted to avoid this year, and so far, so good.
After Spring Break, city leaders will evaluate how the new rules effected binge-drinking during Spring Break and whether they’ll keep the rules on board for next year.
Note that this does not mean that the city has banned booze on the beach altogether: the city just limits how late anyone can openly drink on the beach (and how early drinking can start up again the next day). Pack up your six-packs by 5:45 p.m. daily to avoid any trouble with local law enforcement.
An increased police presence on the beach is focused on stopping under-aged drinking and preventing drunk beach goers from getting out of hand and causing trouble.
Port Aransas drinking ban so far, so good
Keep track of bacteria levels on all 14 beaches in the Coastal Bend, including Natural Beach on Padre Island between Bob Hall Pier and Padre Island National Seashore.