<P> Social customs and laws on drinking alcohol in public vary significantly around the world . "Public" in this context refers to outdoor spaces such as roads, walkways or parks, or in a moving vehicle . Drinking in bars, restaurants or stadiums, for example, is not generally considered to be "in public" even though those establishments are open to the general public . In some countries, such as India, the United States and in larger regions, such as the Muslim world, public drinking is almost universally condemned or outlawed, while in other countries, such as Portugal, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Japan and China, public drinking and public intoxication is socially acceptable, although may not be entirely legal . </P> <P> Opponents of drinking in public (such as religious organizations or governmental agencies) argue that it encourages overconsumption of alcohol and binge drinking, rowdiness and violence, and propose that people should instead drink at private businesses such as public houses, bars or clubs, where a bartender may prevent overconsumption and where rowdiness can be better controlled by the fact that one is sitting down and security or bouncers may be present . Alternatively, adults may drink at home . Opponents of normalizing the public consumption of alcohol are also concerned about the risks associated with public inebriation such as broken bottles on the street and aggressive behavior while intoxicated . </P> <P> Proponents of the right to drink in public argue that it does not itself cause problems and rather that it is social problems that cause over-consumption and violence, pointing to countries that allow drinking in public but have low levels of associated overconsumption and violence . Proponents further argue that drinking in public helps normalize attitudes towards drinking and build a healthier drinking culture . </P> <P> Although details and penalties vary from state to state, drinking in public places directly outside licensed premises (and also in council - designated no alcohol zones) is illegal . Generally, possession of an open container of alcohol is sufficient proof of public drinking . </P>

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