Georgia county bans alcohol on beach during Georgia-Florida weekend

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — Officials are banning alcohol at a Georgia beach for the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football matchup, hoping to discourage big crowds amid a high rate of coronavirus infections.

Commissioners in Glynn County voted 6-to-1 in September to prohibit possession or consumption of booze on the beach at St. Simons Island on Oct. 29 and 30, according to the Associated Press.

Glynn County Commissioner Cap Fendig says he hopes it will reduce the need for police and other public safety personnel at the beach, and therefore limit their potential exposure to the virus.

“We’re drawing the line because our community is not coming up with a Plan B,” Fendig said. “I think it’s the right thing to do.”

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The alcohol ban is nothing new for the county. The commissioners passed the ban last year too.

St. Simons Island is one of the hotspots for the World’s Largest Cocktail Party game every year for Bulldogs fans. The East Beach on St. Simons Island has earned the nickname “Frat Beach” during the weekend every year.

“There will be an increased level of public safety officials present in the area to enforce applicable laws in order to help ensure that everyone is safe,” commissioner said in a statement.

Officials previously told Channel 2 Action News they have seen increases in volume and intensity, with about 6,000 to 10,000 college students visiting during the weekend of the Georgia-Florida game.

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Baby sea turtles head to the ocean on Little St. Simons Island Baby sea turtles head to the ocean on Little St. Simons Island. (Captured by DNR Turtle Tech Mary Bresnihan)

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