I always thought I was being a "law-abiding citizen" if I had an adult beverage in my hands, but needed to go to the mailbox or greet an arriving guest. As I approach what would essentially be my property line/the sidewalk line (even though *I* had to pour said sidewalk) I would gently place my beverage on the bricks inside my property line, then cross the threshold into public land.
Now you are saying that if I can be seen from public, and imbibing, I'm (TECHNICALLY) in violation? Shit, I set up my BBQ so I can watch the street show while I sip a beverage between flipping steaks.
