We up here - the people of the north - like out generalities, our ways of saying something that looks benign when we are really saying something else. As with the odd phrase "visible minorities", Canada has some unique euphemisms like "open beer":
A 30-year-old man has been arrested after being spotted with a case of open beer outside the Tim Hortons on Cedar Street, along with a second man. The men were also believed to be selling drugs, according to a report made to the police.
In high school my soccer team mate, the Swedish exchange student, got tagged for "open beer" outside a small town dance. Fine in 1980? Twelve bucks. He thought he was going to get deported for a while there. It's not the drinking of beer. It's not the giving of beer to someone under age. In Sudbury, it was not a case of bottles with their caps loosened. And it does not apparently apply to wine or spirits at a cultural level. In Canada, we really do not like the packaging seal of beer being busted. That is what "open beer" seems to mean. Is there a law like that near you? We don't say that the police found "an" open beer or that people were drinking where they shouldn't. The infraction is "open beer" simpliciter. The slammer awaits.
Comments
marcusfromnc - October 2, 2010 10:22 PM
In the states it's called open container.
Alan - October 3, 2010 12:06 AM
But if you have 12 sealed bottles in an opened cardboard box, I am thinking that is treated differently.
Alan - October 3, 2010 12:13 AM
See section 117(2) of Manitoba's Liquor Control Act:
117(2) Beer shall not be carried in that part of the interior, tonneau, or cab, of a motor vehicle intended for the accommodation of the driver and other persons being carried thereon, unless the bottles or other receptacles in which it is contained are enclosed in a carton or container
(a) that is closed, fastened, or sealed, in the manner prescribed in the regulations; and
(b) that has not been opened since it was purchased from the commission, or from the holder of a beer vendor's licence or a brewer's retail licence, or was lawfully brought into the province as provided in section 58.
Ed Cqrson - October 3, 2010 4:29 AM
When I was a youth the brown paper bag existed here in Philadelphia. And yes there was and is an open container law. And Yuengling Porter was and is the last pre-prohibition porter available here.
Ethan - October 3, 2010 1:53 PM
So, right: it's not the beer, it's the <i>box</i> the beer is in which can't be open.. that's pretty dim. It also explains something I never thought to ponder, which was why Canadian beer all comes in wee 6-bottle full boxes (and not in American "open" six-packs.)
I never gave it thought because I assumed it was just another cultural difference--like milk in bags, or petrol v. gas/gasoline--that made no real sense. And hey, after all, a full box does protect the beer from light better- so who cares why. But now that I know it is actually proscribed by this strange law... well, it still keeps the beer from getting lightstruck.
RunawayJim - October 3, 2010 2:50 PM
I think there are laws about carrying a partial 6 pack (like driving around with a 6 pack container with only 5 beers in it). I'm not sure the open package thing holds true around here, but open container laws certain do. I've never heard of anyone getting busted for having a full 6 pack next to them in the car or a 12 pack with the top open. As long as all the beers are there, you're fine, but I'm pretty sure having 1 or 2 bottles missing is a problem even if you don't have an open container (such as if you're bringing back the beer you didn't drink at a party).
I know with alcohol, the bottle must be sealed (as in a new, unopened bottle) if it's in the car with you. Otherwise, it needs to be in the trunk. So if you're driving to a party and supplying some booze from your house, be sure it's locked in the trunk of the car.
All that said, I would think that most cops would let you off with some kind of warning had they determined that you hadn't been drinking.
Craig - October 4, 2010 4:35 PM
I want to make this pefectly clear. I have never been to the Tim Horton's on Cedar Street.
charlie - April 29, 2011 7:58 AM
I just drank two open beers with the caps screwed back on but have been in the fridge for like 5 or 6 months.They tasted like hell but no mold so I drank them anyways... lol do I have a death wish or something and is this going to kill me?
charlie - April 29, 2011 7:58 AM
I just drank two open beers with the caps screwed back on but have been in the fridge for like 5 or 6 months.They tasted like hell but no mold so I drank them anyways... lol do I have a death wish or something and is this going to kill me?
charlie - April 29, 2011 8:07 AM
I don't think there is a law about that kind of open container in a car driving around with friends what do you think? is there even alcohol in it still?