Texas police look in bars for signs of drunkenness

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One of the problems with this situation is a matter of definitions.

There are public places and private places and places that are in between. Bars are only semi-public places.

We've defined 'drunk driving' at a relatively low Blood Alcohol Level because we have determined that to be the level at which driving (something that requires excellent reflexes, concentration and ability in order not to endanger others) is impaired. And we base that level of impairment at that level because of the danger to others. Walking is a less demanding activity, so the kind of 'drunkenness' you mean when you are talking about 'public drunkenness' must require either a higher BAL or that, y'know, you are bothering someone.

"Drinking is fine," said agency spokeswoman Carolyn Beck. "But when people drink too much, they become dangerous to themselves and other people."

So what she really wants is to protect the public from dangerous people. Fine. That doesn't require camping out in bars to play "gotcha" with the patrons.