By Eric Egan
eegan@abcnews4.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) -- Beer and wine are now for sale at Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant.
The park started serving last Friday and will keep doing so, six days a week.
The Charleston County Parks and Recreation department came up with the idea last fall after getting a permit from the State Department of Revenue. The first drink was poured last Friday.
"What we're carrying is all bottles. A limit of two per person at a time, and the beer or wine has to be poured into a glass," said Waterfront Park Manager, Chris Pounder.
Pounder said their intention is not to give the pier a bar atmosphere, but instead to enhance the experience.
Sales will be restricted to the welcome center. Pounder said he's not concerned about people bringing in alcohol.
"Outside alcohol will not be permitted, if it does make its way onto the pier we'll politely ask them to take it back to their vehicle," Pounder said.
That means no beverages near the park's playground. In fact, drinks are only allowed on the pier, served during park hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park is also patrolled by an officer at that time, in addition to 24-hour security cameras.
Those who frequent the park think the arrival of alcohol won't be an issue as long as it is managed appropriately.
"I think it will be ok," said park-goer Tiffany Lee. "...Especially with the law enforcement presence, as long as it's monitored, and the cops are out here if anyone becomes unruly."
"As long as they have good management of it and people aren't getting too drunk out here, getting hurt, I think it's a good idea," Brian Chung said.
The parks department already sells alcohol at places like Folly Beach.
"The entire staff has been through a serve-safe alcohol training," Pounder said. "So, everybody is well versed on proper techniques, things to look for, checking IDs and things of that nature."
Revenue from the alcohol sales will be used to support county parks. Alcohol will not be served at Waterfront Park on Sundays.
