Quote Originally Posted by McClef View Post
Forgive my ignorance here, not being Texan n all that, but these open container laws are a mystery this side of the pond.

Do they apply just if you are driving?
It depends in which state, county, and sometimes municipality you live in this land. Some localities are entirely "dry," which makes it difficult to get a decent dram unless you're in your home with something you've smuggled across the border (from a more reasonable locale).

Open container laws generally apply to having any alcoholic beverage in a public place. Sometimes they restrict the carrying (or consumption) of said beverages in parks, on the street, etc. (This can make it difficult for a cafe to have outdoor seating if they also serve alcohol.) Typically the laws also include the prohibition of having an open container of any alcoholic beverage in a vehicle (by driver or passenger).

Then there are places where the open container law is "empty them before you toss them out the window."

Hope that makes it clear as mud!