The recent ticketing incident for enjoying a cocktail while sitting in a golf cart in Lake Sumter Landing was the first item addressed by Janet Tutt at last evening's POA meeting. Janet said expect to see heightened enforcement of the open container law throughout The Villages, including tail-gate parties at the Polo Field. She went on to explain that the liquor licenses for the kiosk's in the squares allow people to walk throughout the downtown area (outside the square) with a drink but you cannot sit in a vehicle, including a lawn mower, with a drink. She also said police would enforce the open container violations (but not speed enforcement) on The Villages multi-modal paths. Janet also said liquor licenses for the restaurants in the Square, unlike the kiosks, do not permit patrons to leave the establishment with a drink. If the beverage is in a cup holder, the person in the driver's seat is ticketed unless the passenger is holding the cup. The fine is $116, if I remember correctly. Getting back to the Polo field, she suggested setting up a chair or table next to the golf cart and mixing the drinks there rather than on the golf cart. Seems like a crazy distinction but that's the law here now.
Bummer, with my withering memory this is one more thing to write on the palm of my hand along with keep your head down and slow back swing.
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