Va. Senate panel buries open container bills

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The Associated Press
© February 6, 2012

RICHMOND

Legislation that would have subjected drivers of vehicles to a ticket if an opened bottle of any alcoholic beverage is found inside has dead-ended in a Senate committee.

Identical bills by Democratic Sens. George Barker of Fairfax and Mamie Locke of Hampton failed to emerge from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on a 7-7 vote Monday.

A majority is required to advance the bill to a floor vote.

Under the bill, alcohol could only be transported in its original, never-opened container with its seal unbroken.

Opponents noted that drivers who've had nothing to drink would be liable for a $25 fine if police find bottles that have been opened in the vehicle passenger cabin, even if the drivers were unaware of it.

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Thank you we don't need this

Submitted by stevew51377 on Mon, 02/06/2012 at 3:20 pm.

Thank you we don't need this kind of law. Drinking and driving is illegal as it should be but I see no reason why carrying an unsealed bottle should be. Many responsible persons carry a small flask to a gathering have a sip early on and leave legal to drive a couple hours later. Why should this conduct become illegal. Why should a person who travels a lot have to finish a bottle every night in a motel because it would be illegal to transport it to the next? Stupidity.