Bag Over Liquor
 

Why do people cover liquor with a brown paper bag? I suppose it has something to do with a law, but I'm not sure.

I was watching Good Will Hunting and noticed in one scene guys were at a baseball game drinking beer (I assume, little 12 oz cans) and they were in mini paper bags..

Most communities have "open container" laws, making it illegal to just walk around in the open with an alcoholic beverage, unless you're on your own property or in an enclosed area designated for some activity (picnic, festival, etc). Many people who want to do so can make a token effort to skirt those laws by concealing the beverage. Paper bags are one way to do so.

I know that at least down here in Florida, when you purchase any Alcoholic Beverage at a Liquor Store, Grocery, Gas Station, etc., it must be put into a bag. It's the law..

It is all about privacy. Not everyone is okay with the world knowing they bought and are now carrying a bottle of Strawberry Hill, a bong from a smoke shop, birth control pills, yeast infection ointment, Viagra, etc.

T.C.M

But when it's in a bag, and they're drinking it, it's kind of obvious.

Your telling me that a damn paper bag over my beer would of saved me from my $110 ticket..... I'm gonna start carrying one with me at all times....

TLK