Drinking Beer Outdoors: What Us Law Says

Drinking outdoors is a simple pleasure that is restricted to a few dozen spots in the US. While some towns allow public drinking anywhere, others only allow it in specific entertainment districts. There are also states with no statewide open container bans, including Idaho, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Alaska. Some of the towns and cities that allow drinking outdoors include New Orleans, Las Vegas, Sonoma, CA, Hood River, OR, Fredericksburg, TX, Arlington, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Indianapolis, IN, Erie, PA, and Gulfport, MS.

US states where drinking outdoors is legal

In the United States, open-container laws are state laws, and they vary from state to state. While a majority of U.S. states and localities prohibit possessing or consuming an open container of alcohol in public places, 24 states do not have statutes regarding the public consumption of alcohol.

Texas

In Texas, drinking outdoors is legal in the cities of Fredericksburg and Arlington. Fredericksburg, a small town founded by Germans in 1846, allows the consumption of beer and wine in its shopping district. Arlington, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant entertainment districts, where drinking on the street is often permitted.

Oregon

Hood River, Oregon, is known for its relaxed open-container laws. It is perfectly legal to walk around the city with a beverage in hand, whether it's a tall boy from the corner store or a drink from a bar. However, drinks purchased from a bartender must be consumed within the bar premises.

Nevada

Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, is famous for allowing visitors to drink outdoors, especially on the Las Vegas Strip. However, open containers are limited to specific areas, and glass containers are prohibited.

Louisiana

New Orleans, the Big Easy, is renowned for its vibrant party culture and its permissive open-container laws. Visitors are allowed to drink anywhere in the city, as long as they use plastic or aluminium containers instead of glass bottles.

California

While California has a state law prohibiting open containers in public places, there are exceptions. One notable example is Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, a designated area where people can legally drink outdoors and enjoy their favourite alcoholic beverages.

Tennessee

Tennessee is another state with permissive open-container laws, especially in the city of Memphis. The legendary Beale Street in Memphis is exempt from the statewide ban on open containers, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy drinking outdoors.

US states where drinking outdoors is illegal

In the United States, open-container laws are state laws, which means they vary from state to state. While the majority of U.S. states and localities prohibit possessing or consuming an open container of alcohol in public places, there are some states that do not have statutes regarding the public consumption of alcohol. These include Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Alaska.

Additionally, some cities within states that ban public drinking have become famous for allowing it, such as New Orleans and Las Vegas. Other cities that allow public drinking include Hood River, Oregon; East Aurora, New York; Erie, Pennsylvania; Fredericksburg, Texas; Arlington, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Gulfport, Mississippi; Treasure Island, Florida; and Butte, Montana.

It is important to note that even in cities that allow public drinking, there may be certain restrictions or prohibited areas, such as public parks, religious sites, or homeless shelters. It is always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations before consuming alcohol in public.

Towns where drinking outdoors is allowed anywhere

In the United States, it can be challenging to find places where you can legally drink alcohol outdoors due to open container laws. However, there are a few towns that have more relaxed open container laws, allowing you to enjoy a drink while exploring the city. Here are some towns that permit drinking anywhere within their limits:

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, is famous for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations and daiquiri shops. You can drink anywhere in the city as long as you avoid glass containers. So grab some beads, find yourself a plastic cup, and join the festivities with a drink in hand!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Sin City, true to its name, encourages debauchery by allowing drinking anywhere, except within 1,000 feet of a church, synagogue, school, hospital, or homeless shelter. So whether you're strolling down the Strip or taking in the sights, you can enjoy your favourite beverage, just make sure to avoid glass containers and opt for plastic instead.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Founded by Germans in 1846, Fredericksburg proudly preserves its heritage by allowing open containers of beer and wine (but not liquor) in most public areas, including its shopping district. Many places in town also offer wine and beer to-go, making it easy to enjoy a drink while exploring. Visit during Oktoberfest to fully immerse yourself in the town's German culture.

Hood River, Oregon

Famous for its wind and kite surfing, Hood River is an outdoor paradise with no open container laws. You're free to walk around with a beverage in hand, whether it's a tall boy from the corner store or a drink from a bar (just make sure you don't take mixed drinks from a bartender outside). Visit during the annual Hood River Hops Fest to enjoy a wide variety of fresh-hop beers and regional wines.

Butte, Montana

This former mining town in the Rocky Mountains allows open containers anywhere, with the only exception being between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. So, whether you're taking in the stunning mountain views or exploring the town, you can enjoy a drink at any time of day (or night).

Indianapolis, Indiana

In Indianapolis, you can drink on the sidewalks as long as it's not in a city-owned park. Many bars have carryout licenses, so don't forget to ask for a to-go cup if you don't finish your drink.

So, if you're looking for towns where you can freely enjoy a drink outdoors, these six destinations offer the perfect opportunity to combine sightseeing and socialising!

Towns with specific zones where drinking outdoors is allowed

In the United States, public drinking is often restricted by open container laws. However, there are some towns and cities that have designated specific zones where drinking outdoors is allowed. These areas are typically established in an effort to revitalise downtown districts and encourage tourism. Here are some examples of towns and cities with specific zones for drinking outdoors:

Sonoma, California

Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, California, is a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages. With over 400 wineries in the area, it's no surprise that Sonoma allows public drinking in this particular zone.

Savannah, Georgia

The Savannah Historic District in Savannah, Georgia, is known for its southern hospitality and charming architecture. Visitors are allowed to drink outdoors within this district as long as the beverage is in a plastic container and does not exceed 16 ounces.

Kansas City, Missouri

The Power and Light District in Kansas City, Missouri, spans nine blocks and is a shopping and entertainment hub. This district is exempt from the city's general law prohibiting open containers, making it a popular destination for those who want to enjoy a drink while exploring the area.

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is famous for its blues music and vibrant culture. It is also exempt from both the city's open-container ban and Tennessee's statewide ban, making it a unique destination for those who want to enjoy a drink while immersing themselves in the local music scene.

Roswell, Georgia

Roswell, a suburb of Atlanta, has created a "carry district" where visitors can order a drink at a bar and take it outside. The main area for this district is Canton Street, and it's particularly popular during the town's famous block party, Alive After Five.

Louisville, Kentucky

Fourth Street Live! in Louisville, Kentucky, is another example of a designated entertainment district that allows outdoor drinking. This area is closed off at night, turning into an open-air bar with a vibrant atmosphere.

These are just a few examples of towns and cities in the United States that have established specific zones where drinking outdoors is permitted. Each area may have its own unique rules and regulations, so it's always a good idea to check local guidelines before enjoying a drink in public.

Towns with restrictions on drinking outdoors

While drinking outdoors is prohibited in most parts of the US, there are some towns that have relaxed their open-container laws, allowing people to drink in public spaces. However, it is important to note that even in these towns, there may be certain restrictions in place, such as prohibiting drinking in public parks or near religious sites or homeless shelters. Here is a list of towns with restrictions on drinking outdoors:

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg, founded by Germans in 1846, allows the consumption of beer and wine (but not liquor) in its shopping district. This rule is in keeping with the town's German heritage, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration in early October is a great time to experience this.

Hood River, Oregon

In Hood River, it is legal to walk around with a beverage in hand, whether bought from a bar or a store. However, drinks purchased from a bar must be consumed on the premises and cannot be taken out onto the street. The annual Hood River Hops Fest in September is a popular event for beer lovers, featuring fresh-hop beers, regional wines, and live music.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, allows people to drink openly anywhere in the city, as long as they are not carrying glass containers. Mardi Gras, usually held in February or March, is the perfect time to experience the city's unique drinking culture.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, known for its beautiful architecture and southern hospitality, has no open-container laws. People are allowed to drink in public spaces, including Johnson Square Park, as long as the beverage is in a plastic container and is 16 ounces or less. The best time to visit Savannah is between March and July, when the flowers and trees are in full bloom.

Sonoma, California

Sonoma, known for its wine country, allows people to drink wine in Sonoma Plaza, the only park in the city that permits alcohol consumption. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair in October is a popular event for wine lovers, featuring world-class wines, craft beers, and award-winning food.

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street in Memphis is an exception to the city's open-container ban and the statewide ban on open containers in Tennessee. It is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a drink while experiencing the blues, Elvis Presley, and barbecue culture that the city is known for. The Beale Street Music Festival in May features big names in music, while Elvis Week in August offers a quirkier experience.

Frequently asked questions