Three years ago Mark Anthony Brands released a beverage called White Claw Hard Seltzer. The drink, which comes in various flavors, is labeled as a spiked sparkling water. Recently, it has increased in popularity, with people posting photos of themselves on social media drinking it. In the past couple months or so, the posts have been accompanied with the saying “Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws.”
The expression was reportedly first used by comedian Trevor Wallace on his YouTube channel. In a now-viral video, Wallace is handed a White Claw and begins talking about how great it is. At one point, he stands on his balcony and says “Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws, baby.” A couple of minutes later, while lounging by his pool, he claims the beverage doesn’t get a person drunk.
With the popularity of the saying, which has not only been posted on social media but also put on T-shirts, the Kenosha police took to Facebook to remind people that laws still apply even when drinking White Claws.
Drinking and Driving Laws
White Claws are marketed as a spiked sparkling water, which means they still contain alcohol. One can has 5% alcohol by volume, and if a person drinks enough, they can get drunk. Getting behind the wheel after drinking a few could influence their ability to drive a vehicle safely. As a result, they could be arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.
Open Container Laws
Wisconsin law prohibits a person from having an open container of alcohol while driving on a public road. Because a White Claw contains alcohol, if the can is open, it must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle or the area behind the last passenger seat if the vehicle doesn’t have a trunk. The open container cannot be kept in the glove compartment.
Drinking in Common Carrier Laws
Consuming an alcoholic beverage on a bus, train, plane, or other form of public transportation is illegal. The law still applies even if the individual is drinking a White Claw. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor.
Reach Out to the Law Offices of Christopher J. Cherella for Legal Representation
If you were charged with an alcohol-related offense, contact our attorney today. We will thoroughly review your case and develop a defense strategy to fight charges.
Discuss your circumstances with our attorney during a free consultation by calling us at (414) 347-9334 or contacting us online.
