It has probably happened to all of us. You’re at the supermarket self-checkout and, without even knowing it, you forget to scan something. You might not realize it until you get to your car because the item is still sitting on the bottom of your shopping cart. At that point, you can choose to go back in the store and pay for it, or hope that no one saw what you did. But if they did see, the penalty could be severe in one southern state.
In a guest opinion column on AL.com, State Representative Prince Chestnut shared that House Bill 288 could make it a felony to forget to scan an item at self-checkout in the state of Alabama. According to Rep. Chestnut, “The Retail Crime Prevention Act” includes ambiguous clauses that make stealing a shopping cart or two teenagers stealing a candy bar felonies.
Furthermore, anyone forgetting to scan a bottle of water or a bag of pet food on the bottom of their shopping cart could be charged with a Class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. What!?! Chestnut argues that this is a “flawed and unnecessary bill.” It certainly does seem excessive.
Sure, stealing is wrong, and there are laws against that. However, doing hard time for making simple mistake such as forgetting to scan a grocery item is taking it to far. If HB288 passes, the good people of Alabama will need to be extra careful in the self-checkout lane.
3 North Carolina Cities Named Best Southern Cities By Southern Living
12. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.
Coming in at number 12 on the list is Raleigh. Our state’s capital city is home to a number of wonderful restaurants, museums, festivals, and of course, the North Carolina State Fair which happens every October. It’s also home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, and several universities.
11. Charlotte, NC
Back to back are Charlotte and Raleigh the two largest cities in the state. And while I don’t buy into the “rivalry” between the two cities this time Charlotte one-upped Raleigh. An ever-growing city Charlotte is home to breweries, renowned restaurants and shopping, Carowinds, and the US National White Water Center. And for the sports lovers, there is the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, Charlotte Knights, and NASCAR is a short drive north in Concord.
3. Asheville, NC
All the way at number 3 is the mountain paradise of Asheville, NC. It eclipses destinations such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin Texas. Which are heavy hitters. But Asheville’s beauty and culture can’t go unrecognized. Whether it’s the incredible culinary scene, attractions like Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, hiking, or the arts culture there is something for everyone to love in Asheville. Visit in October during leaf season? You’re in for an even bigger treat!
7. Greenville, SC
Once a dilapidated section of Greenville, South Carolina, Falls Park on the Reedy is now a beautiful urban park space with walking trails, falling water, surrounded by art galleries and restaurants.
Greenville has had quite a revival of late and has positioned itself as a destination city in South Carolina. From festivals to the bustling downtown, parks, trails, and more after a visit you’ll be saying what the locals say “Yeah, that Greenville”.
1. Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina (SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Plus)
I’d be shocked if Charleston didn’t top this list. The city received (deservedly so) accolade after accolade and is a popular vacation destination for people all over the country. The gorgeous scenery, historic downtown, world-class restaurants, bars, and more make it what it is. And in my, completely biased opinion, is there a better example of a quintessential southern city? I think not.
