April 2018 April 2018 | Page 10

c k y W o rL D Wa oF s f G L C R The a Several years ago, my business, WHEELZ, had the pleasure of being a sponsor for a re- gional Hooters Pro Fishing event. We had a big booth set up with five or six custom golf cars on display. The live band was rockin’, kids were patiently waiting for face painting, the beer was flowing, and the pro fisherman and Hooters girls were signing autographs. The sun was blazing and everything was right with the world on that perfect day in SW Florida. A woman and her husband approached the booth and asked to go on a ride in one of the shiny, lifted golf cars. Happy to oblige, we all grabbed our bottles of beer and hopped on the golf car. Cruising around the parking lot drew a lot of attention from event goers and several passersby. We made a large loop and were headed back towards the event when we crossed over an alleyway. From around the corner of the alley came the flashing lights and stern looking police officer. To say that I was worried would be an understatement. The officer approached the golf car and asked for my ID, which I 10 WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM That One Time I Nearly Went to Jail for Driving My Golf Car By Julie Wilson, Owner WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories didn’t have. It was back in my purse at the booth. He asked me if the bottle of beer in the cup holder was mine and I replied that it was. Then, I got really scared. Apparently, it is frowned upon to operate a golf car while drinking a bottle of beer. Furthermore, I was advised that I could be charged with a DUI! I honestly had no idea. As long as I was cruising the parking lot, I was moderately safe, but as soon as I crossed over the alleyway, which was considered a public road, I was fair game. The understanding officer agreed to let me go if I poured out my beer and headed back to the booth.