Limousines are basically hired for special events and
occasions since they enhance these events. Some of these events include prom
nights, bachelor parties, birthdays, award ceremonies, etc.
And when we talk about parties, we can say that they are
incomplete without drinks and dance. We barely imagine celebrating prom
parties, bachelor parties or other special occasions without alcohol.
Most of the limos are stuffed with mini bars and some limo
service companies also provide DJs to pre-set your mood to party. And in such
cases, it is easier said than done to refrain from drinking and partying.
There have been some inquiries as to whether or not to
liquor consumption should be permitted in limousines, or whether it should be
lawful for travelers to consume alcohol mixed drinks while traveling in a
limousine or any other vehicles.
In most of the states in the US, alcohol consumption laws
are unclear and confusing to the general public. Each state has different
criteria and domain for legally drinking inside a limo. Some allow drinking in
the passenger seats where as some don’t. Some states allow drinking in limos but
not in trucks and party buses. And what will most bother you is to find out
which vehicle falls under which category – a medium sized limo could either
fall under “limo” or “party” bus category.
And sometimes when you need to cross state borders, you need
to check each of the Law clauses for each of the states – this is really
stressful.
Anyway, in North Carolina, alcohol Law is not as vague as in
other states. You are not allowed to possess any open-cab liquor bottles except
for just a couple of exemptions.
North Carolina Alcohol Laws
The North Carolina General Statute that interprets alcohol
consumption laws for vehicles is NC GS 20-138.7. This law strictly bans liquor
bottles with open holders or any sorts of drink mixed with alcohol in all
private vehicles. They include your family auto, truck, party bus or limo.
Vehicles that ordinarily look like a limousine yet don’t meet the criteria that
really make it a limousine by legal definition fall under “private vehicles”
category and possession liquors are strictly not permitted or these vehicles.
Section a2-1 of the statute allows you to possess or consume
alcohol in limos for a few exceptional conditions.
Few Exceptions
It shall not be a violation of subsection (a1) of this
section for a passenger to possess an alcoholic beverage in the manufacturer's
original sealed container.
You are allowed to possess or consume liquors in the
passenger area of special limos that are designed, maintained, or used
primarily for the transportation.
In party buses, stretch-limos or sedans that are
“Limousines” by legal definition, unsealed liquor bottles are allowed. In such
cases, you are also allowed to drink.
Therefore, you must always inspect if the limos are
registered for “For Hire” services. Many of the limo companies in North
Carolina operate their limos without having their limos licensed for “For
Hire”. Make sure to check the license plate of the limousines. And if it is a
normal NC license plate, then the vehicle is in service illegally. And, if you
are in one of such vehicles never open an alcoholic beverage inside or you have
to get yourself through all the legal procedures.
If you go for the limo service providers in North Carolina
that are registered and licensed for “For Hire” services, you will be your time
while you are in the limo – you can drink as much as you like and if you are
seated on the passenger’s seat.
All Airport Express has all its vehicles registered and
licensed for “For Hire” services. With our limo services in North Carolina, you
can have a wonderful time in the limo letting yourself go and partying without
any stress. Call us at (336) 830-1155 to book our limousines. We offer limo service in Winston Salem, Greensboro and surrounding areas.
