4th of July Fireworks Texas 2012; Beer Can Ban Disgruntles Locals

A new law in Texas prohibits people from drinking beer from a can in the Guadalupe River in Texas has some people upset and confused as to what is legal and not legal on this 4^th of July.

The so-called "can ban" has been rather confusing to locals, but the new law doesn't prohibit drinking alcohol, it just prohibits people drinking from the can.

Instead, people who want to consume alcohol by the river on this 4^th of July or any other day, may do so but only if they pour the beer into reusable containers first.

Local businesses are saying that sales are down this year largely due to the ban, according to the Associated Press.

"No one understands it (the new law)," a local alcohol store clerk said.

Local businesses hope that a new city marketing campaign will clarify the ordinance, although it will barely stem their indignation. Fifty-eight percent of New Braunfels voters approved the can ban, not swayed by hotel owners and river outfitters who warned that a can ban would sock the local economy.

The Guadalupe and Comal rivers are among the state's most visited natural attractions, and tubing is the bedrock of local tourism that pumps $469 million each year into the New Braunfels economy, according to the New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau.

But the last three years have been a bumpy ride: Massive flooding in 2010 demolished buildings and buses of river outfitters, and last year's historic Texas drought left tubers scraping against rocks in shallow water.

Texas will host its annual 4^th of July parade on at El Franco Lee Park (9400 Hall Road), which is funded by the South Belt Spectacular Cookoff. The fireworks show kicks off at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks within the city limits of Houston are not allowed. Subdivisions that are not within the city limits where fireworks are allowed include: Clear Brook Meadows, College Place, Kirkwood South, Kirkmont, Sageglen, Meadows of Clear Creek, Woodmeadow I & II, Highland Meadow, Ashley Pointe, Blackhawk, Riverstone Ranch and Estates of Green Tea. To view the fireworks ban enforcement area visit: