Your Memorial Day boat plans are probably illegal
Okay so, I'm scrolling through the local news this morning, right? And everyone's talking about Memorial Day weekend, which, *puro Chicago*, means we're all trying to get out on the lake before the tourists fully descend on Navy Pier. But then I see this story, and I'm like, *wait, for real?* Turns out, all y'all planning to crack open a cold one on your boat, or your friend's boat, out on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River? It's probably illegal. Like, straight up.
### What's the Deal?
Nah nah nah, let me explain. You can *technically* drink alcohol on a boat in Illinois, but it's got a lot of rules, way more than you think. It's not like just chilling in your backyard. The story breaks it down, but the big thing is the driver.
* The person operating the boat cannot be legally intoxicated – same rules as driving a car. Think DUI, but for water. * Passengers can drink, sure, but if the boat is moving, that open container needs to be in a designated area or, get this, you can't be like, chugging a beer while the captain's driving. * And if you're pulling up to, say, the Chicago Riverwalk, and you're stumbling off your boat? You can still get hit with public intoxication charges. It's not a free-for-all just because you're on the water.
This is why, every summer, you see the marine police out there, especially around the Playpen, just waiting for people to get too wild. It's not just about safety, it's about the law, and these guys don't play. It's not fair to the folks who are out there trying to have a good time responsibly, you know?
So, before you grab that six-pack for your buddy's pontoon boat, just remember the rules. No one wants to spend their Memorial Day weekend talking to the marine unit instead of enjoying the skyline from Promontory Point. Be smart, Chi-Town.
Chi-Town on the wire — you already know.
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