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Faced with the problem of a tyrannical overseas king, Americans rebelled, warred, and ultimately created a nation and a people. This Fourth of July in San Diego, celebrate American independence and ingenuity by sipping some of your favorite brew down in Pacific Beach.

What's that you say? There's a new booze ban on San Diego beaches? Well due to a little American ingenuity, you can overcome the San Diego beach alcohol ban and, again, celebrate the independence of this country with the waves lapping at your feet and a cold brew in your hand.

The Dock Block Party in Pacific Beach is the brainchild of host Bradford Boyle, and a response to the alcohol beach ban in San Diego. While reminiscing with friends one night, Boyle recalled seeing an industrious guy at the beach legally selling beer from floating kegs. As long as the beer was being sold in the water, and not on land, no laws were being broken. This 2008 San Diego Fourth of July, the lessons that Boyle learned from those floating kegs have been put to good use, and San Diegans can once again enjoy a cold drink down at the beach.

The only difference between the 2007 Independence Day celebration and this year's is that instead of enjoying your beer on the sand, you'll be sipping it while floating in the ocean.

Alcohol was banned from San Diego beaches, but not the water in front of the sandy shores. Floating while drinking a beer is entirely permissible. However, while standing in the water and sipping a tall boy will get you a ticket, as if your feet touch the ocean's sandy bottom, you are considered ‘on the beach'. Makes sense, right?

So for anyone wanting to participate in the Dock Block Party this Fourth of July in San Diego, Boyle suggests the following to safely and legally participate in off-shore imbibing: buy a plastic raft that will allow you to float and drink comfortably, but that will not become a hazard to sea-going vessels. And, carry only unopened beer cans across the sand to your raft; empty cans may be carried across the beach when you're ready to recycle them.

The Dock Block Party concept was created with the help of Freepb.org and the San Diego Police Department, which means that if you follow the rules, you shouldn't run into any problems. So cart yourself, your plastic raft, some sunscreen, and a six pack down to Fanuel Park in Pacific Beach this Friday, and toast the creative minds that have made it possible to drink to America's Independence while enjoying a day a the beach - at least for another year.

Dock Block Party Basics: floating and drinking - good, standing and drinking - bad.

For more 2008 San Diego Fourth of July ideas, read the guide to fireworks and festivals here.