Summerville debates sipping rules for new downtown fun zone

Summerville might soon let adults stroll between bars and cafes with a cold drink in hand. The town is weighing a plan that could carve out a small stretch near Highway 17-A as an “open container” pocket. If approved, the zone would run from 10 a. m. until 10 p. m. every day, giving visitors one more reason to linger. Under the proposal, only beer and wine bought from participating businesses would be allowed. That means no outside coolers or thermoses sneaking in. Once you step outside the marked area, drinks must stay behind—no carrying them to the parking lot or the next block. It’s basically a “drink here, drink now” policy.Businesses get to vote with their cash registers. They can sign up to sell drinks that can be sipped on the sidewalk or opt out entirely. The town hopes the compromise will boost foot traffic without turning sidewalks into makeshift bars. The draft now heads to the full council for a final thumbs-up. Supporters argue it could make the entertainment district feel more relaxed, while critics worry about litter, noise, or the headache of policing who’s sipping what and where.