Open containers & boating....
I will confirm Nightwing's post that there is no State law regarding open container regulations while boating in the State of New Hampshire.
RSA 265-A:44, the State law that covers "open containers", only pertains to motor vehicles located on public ways & parking lots. Watercraft are not included in the regulation.
The gray area?
Many communities can and have enacted local ordinances that prohibit the posession of open containers of alcohol in specified public places & buildings within their respective community. So, as noted above, if you tie up to a public docking facility or ramp with an open container, the local authorities may react differently than the NHMP or Fish & Game.
Regardless of the legalities, you obviously are going to attract attention to yourself if you are operating a watercraft while imbibing within sight of any law enforcement officer. Additionally, those of the younger generation that could possibly be under the age of 21 will also attract additional attention.
Hope this clarifies the situation....
Skip
|