Can you drink alcohol in public in NYC?
Asked by: Katarina Schmidt | Last update: May 23, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (72 votes)
No person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, or possess, with intent to drink or consume, an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place except at a block party, feast or similar function for which a permit has been obtained.
Is it legal to drink alcohol in public in NYC?
For non-driving open container offenses, there are exceptions as well. New York laws prohibit people from consuming alcoholic beverages in public places unless they are located at a block party or other designated event that has obtained a permit.
What is considered an open container in NY?
“Open Container” laws are designed to promote public safety by prohibiting the possession of alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants in an open container in public areas and in motor vehicles. Per these laws, open containers refer to any of the following: Alcohol or wine bottles with removed seals.
Can you drink beer in NYC Park?
The NYC parks official policy says ``alcohol is prohibited in all parks.''
What are the new alcohol laws in NY?
Governor Hochul signed two of those recommendations into law in October of 2023, while three more are included in this year's Enacted Budget: Alcohol To-Go – A 5-year extension will allow for the current “drinks to go” provision to continue through 2030, with those 5 years commencing from 2025.
BYOB! Drinking in Public NOT ILLEGAL: Las Vegas Laws
How much is a public drinking ticket in NYC?
Administrative Code - “Consumption of Alcohol on Streets Prohibited” ( also known as “Open Container Violation” or “Consumption of Alcohol in Public”) are eligible to plead guilty and pay a $25 fine by mail.
Is New York strict on alcohol?
Drinking Alcohol in Public in New York: Regulations
New York State has strict laws governing public alcohol consumption. Generally, drinking in public places, such as streets or parks, is prohibited. Violating these laws can result in fines or even arrest.
Do any public parks allow alcohol?
California. Public consumption is only allowed in a few locales including select beaches and parks. There are a few alcohol-friendly areas in Golden Gate Park where you can imbibe wine or beer while enjoying the view, and Sonoma Plaza Park is the perfect place to set up a picnic with some local wine.
Can you drink alcohol in NYS parks?
Alcoholic Beverages: While alcoholic beverages are allowed in most NYS campgrounds without a permit, it is the responsibility of each camping party to comply with all laws and regulations. Stony Brook State Park and Beaver Pond Campground prohibit the use of alcohol.
Is it illegal to drink beer in a parked car?
Drinking in a parked car in California is generally prohibited and can still result in legal consequences. According to California Vehicle Code 23220 and 23221, it indicates that a driver and a passenger cannot consume alcohol or smoke/ingest marijuana or any marijuana product while in a vehicle.
Can you drink in the NYC subway?
Eating and drinking is allowed. A NYTimes article from 2017[1] says the main reason to allow eating & drinking on the subway is for children who ride the metro to school. Many eat their breakfast on the train.
Can you drink in a parked car in NYC?
New York's “Open Container” law regulates the consumption of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. Per this law, you may not have an open container of alcohol in your vehicle even when the vehicle in question is parked.
Is a whiskey flask considered an open container?
Per California's Vehicle Code Sections 23111-23229 VC, an open container includes any bottle, flask, can, glass, or other container that has alcohol in it.
Can you walk around with a beer in NYC?
No person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, or possess, with intent to drink or consume, an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place except at a block party, feast or similar function for which a permit has been obtained.
Are you allowed to have alcohol in public?
However, the definition of "public place" is not always clear. California is unique in that it does have a state law on the books that only prohibits possessing alcoholic beverage containers that have been opened (unless that container is in one's possession "for the purpose of recycling or other related activity") in ...
Can you drink at Times Square, New York?
Public drinking is illegal in New York City and police will confiscate alcohol.
Can you drink alcohol outside in NYC?
(THE ACTUAL PROHIBITED ACT:) No person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, or possess, with intent to drink or consume, an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place except at a block party, feast or similar function for which a permit has been obtained.
Can you drink in Central Park, NYC?
Alcohol. Alcohol is not permitted in Central Park.
What's the biggest park in NYC?
More than three times the size of Manhattan's Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the City's largest park property. Visitors to the park enjoy miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, Orchard Beach, the Bartow-Pell Mansion, two golf courses, and a breathtaking 13-mile saltwater shoreline that hugs Long Island Sound.
Can you drink alcohol in US parks?
Rules vary from park to park as to where alcohol is legal and where it isn't, but in most parks, drinking is legal on campgrounds and in most public-use areas, and illegal in most parking lots, pull-outs, and park buildings.
Can you drink alcohol at Bonelli park?
No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the property altho many people bring coolers full of it. We have had many family gatherings here and always had a good time. No fee's to park or use the facilities.
Can you hang a hammock in a public park?
California. Certain national parks and forests like Lassen National Forest, Yosemite (try the Boothe Lake, Echo Lake, and Young Lake areas), and Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks allow hammock use with tree protection straps. Note that Redwood National Park doesn't allow hammock campers.
Can you drink as a passenger in New York?
This is why New York State law makes it illegal for any driver or passenger to possess an alcoholic bev- erage with intent to consume. This is commonly called the “open container” law. It is also illegal to purchase an alcoholic beverage if you are under 21 years old.
What are the blue laws in NY?
The NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law prohibits the issuance of a full liquor license for establishments on the same street or avenue and within two hundred feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.
Is BYOB legal in NYC?
Can I allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages (BYOB) to my restaurant? Yes, as long as the alcoholic beverage is covered under the establishment's license. For example, a customer cannot bring liquor into a restaurant that is only licensed for wine and beer.