Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- The temporary ban on drinking on the beach at Folly Beach is now permanent.

The city council on Tuesday voted 4-3 for final approval to permanently ban alcohol on the beach. Mayor Tom Goodwin cast the deciding vote.

Council earlier this summer had discussed leaving the matter up to the public in a referendum. But that idea was rejected.

Council imposed a 60-day ban on beach drinking earlier this summer after dozens of drunken revelers tangled with law officers in a Fourth of July brawl. Five officers were hurt and seven people were arrested.

Folly was only beach in the Charleston area that allowed drinking on the beach.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)