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Allow Alcohol at the pool or not?

Started by MarcC4 • 17 replies • 4180 views

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MarcC4 (South Carolina)
Posts: 27
Posted:
Drafting POOL RULES for s new HOA with a community pool. Positives and negatives about allowing alcohol drinking at the pool.
We have a NO GLASS rule.
Is there a liability issue with drinking booze at the pool?
Most people just put their cocktails in a mug or something. Nobody is going to check their mug.
Please lend me some advice.
Thanks!
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
I say as long as not in glass bottles or sharing with minors, drink responsibly. Plus don't litter. Offer a recycle bin for the cans. Nothing wrong with a beer and a nice swim. Just if you act a fool, the police will be called.

Or what we like to call it down here... There is a difference between naked a nakeeed. Naked looks good in a painting. Nakeeed takes a lot of alcohol to get there and no one knows where the farm animals came from...
Former HOA President
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
You should discuss this with your association master insurance company.

That said, I would only allow it if the pool was being used for a PRIVATE adult only function. This isn't the same as an adult only time at the pool, which you can't have anyway (it discriminates against families.). You can still have the no glass rule and rules on bad behavior.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Universally, health departments, insurance, state or locals laws prohibit alcohol at pools either public or apartment/ HOA communities.
Now, whatever anyone puts in a Red Solo cup is fair game, many places sell plastic pool beverage containers. If someone was blatantly obvious with beer, liquor or wine that'a one thing. Many people fly under the radar and are responsible enough to hid it . As a security guard myself, I am not going to waste my time or energy asking people what is in their cup.
AugustinD
Posts: 5,144
Posted:
Why would your HOA want to risk someone dumping their pitcher of bloody Mary mix into the pool water? Why would your HOA want to risk someone becoming intoxicated and drowning? I think you are overthinking this. No alcohol in the pool area period.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
You can simply put no glass or open alcoholic beverages on your rules list. So basically have to have it in a sippy cup not an open cup/glass. Just put it in a tumbler and your good to go.

We had an incident at our pool where a renter let some minors drink alcohol at the pool area. My VP caught them. Reported the owner's kid to his grandmother whom he lived with. The other kids were his company. So be aware that if catch a renter or guest must contact the owner that brought them there the rules. Hold the owner responsible for their guests behavior.
Former HOA President
MarkW18
Posts: 1,290
Posted:
If you want to drink alcohol at a pool, build one at YOUR house. Because of potential liability issues, no alcohol should be allowed and the restriction should be included in the pool rules.
BarbaraT1 (Texas)
Posts: 821
Posted:
Contact whatever agency issues your operating permit first to see if you even have the option of allowing it. Then contact your insurance company.

If you do decide to allow alcohol, don't advertise it, don't announce it, don't do anything to encourage it.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Personally I would leave it at NO GLASS CONTAINERS ALLOWED. Let people put in their cup what they want to put in it.
GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808
Posted:
With most - No Glass!
GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By LetA on 05/03/2020 8:22 AM
Universally, health departments, insurance, state or locals laws prohibit alcohol at pools either public or apartment/ HOA communities.

Not true in Florida, so I think "universally" is false.

MarcC4 (South Carolina)
Posts: 27
Posted:
I have reviewed SC DHEC public pool regulations and there is no restriction as to alcohol beverages.
GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808
Posted:
Let,

Yeah - was about to ask for some universal citations.
MarshallT (New York)
Posts: 414
Posted:
Hi,

This is strongly discouraged because someone could get hurt or even drown. The HOA would likely be taken to court if an accident occurred because someone was drinking in the pool. It's a big risk.
GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808
Posted:
I disagree with Marshall's assessment.

Now, if there was a national study with data on this potential circumstance, I would review it to determine if it would change my mind.
ND (PA)
Posts: 792
Posted:
For liability purposes alone, it should be stated and published in rules/announcements that alcohol is prohibited at the pool. How strictly that rule is enforced is another thing altogether. No glass at the pool should be obvious but should also be stated separate from the no alcohol rule.
AugustinD
Posts: 5,144
Posted:
1975 South Carolina appeals court decision saying a HOA/condo may prohibit booze in the clubhouse, pool, et cetera and that doing so is completely reasonable:

https://casetext.com/case/hidden-harbour-estates-inc-v-norman
AugustinD
Posts: 5,144
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By AugustinD on 05/04/2020 11:24 AM
1975 South Carolina appeals court decision
Post-o. It is a Florida appeals court decision.

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