Folly Beach residents to vote on beach alcohol ban

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Folly Beach voters will decide in November whether they want to make permanent a ban on alcohol on the beach.

Folly Beach City Council met Thursday night to have voters consider whether to continue the ban. Council voted earlier this week for a 60-day ban on alcohol on the beach after a brawl on the Fourth of July.

Five officers suffered injuries and seven people were arrested.

The Nov. 6 vote being authorized by the council would not have the force of law unless 15 percent of the city’s voters also submit a petition calling for a binding decision.

The emergency ban put into effect this week carries a fine of up to $1,100 for violators.

Folly Beach officials plan to post more than 60 signs about the emergency ban.