NEWBERRY COUNTY — Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and many people will be ringing in the new year at parties, or other celebrations. Chief Roy McClurkin and Sheriff Lee Foster remind everyone to be safe, while having fun.
There will be additional patrols, and check points around the county during the holiday.
“We will be working with the Highway Patrol, Town of Whitmire and the City of Newberry. We are going to be in areas with higher traffic volumes, and in areas that have been researched to have higher numbers of alcohol related incidents,” Foster said.
McClurkin added that they will be looking for people under the influence, people driving aggressively and people not wearing their seat-belt.
“We are encouraging people to be safe, as usual. If you plan on going to a party, function or whatever, we ask that you be responsible by having a designated driver, or use local taxi companies, or Uber, if you indulge too much,” he said.
Foster said that when it comes to designated drivers, pick someone who is not drinking, not someone who drank less.
If you suspect someone of drinking and driving, call 911 or *HP.
Those planning on going out should also be aware of laws regarding public intoxication and open containers.
“If you’ve had too much to drink, don’t try and walk home intoxicated, not only is that against city ordinance and state law, but it is also a safety issue, there is a potential of wandering in front of a car,” McClurkin said.
The Newberry Opera House will be hosting an event during New Year’s Eve, and those attending will have the opportunity to drink champagne in Memorial Park. However, this is limited to Memorial Park and the event.
McClurkin also asks residents to be mindful of your neighbors when shooting off fireworks. He said they will let residents shoot fireworks, until they receive a complaint. Once that happens you will be asked to stop.
“Most people know this is an event where people are going to shoot fireworks, so they do not call until it’s very late,” he said. “We do see people want to fire guns at midnight, that’s against the law. You fire into the sky, the bullet has to come down somewhere. If we find somebody that is firing a weapon, we are going to make the appropriate charge.”
Foster said that when it comes to the county, if they receive a complaint, in regards to fireworks, they will give the person shooting off fireworks an opportunity to stop, but if it continues they could be given a fine.
Both Foster and McClurkin also ask that anyone going out in large crowds to be aware of their surroundings.