Reading's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Reading, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Loud Party Ordinance

Reading does not have a separate 'social host' or 'loud party' chapter. Loud parties are enforced through Reading Codified Ordinances Chapter 387 (noise) — particularly § 387-104(A) (amplified music) and § 387-104(B) (yelling/shouting on public streets between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.) — and the Pennsylvania Crimes Code at 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503 (disorderly conduct). Underage drinking on the premises triggers separate Crimes Code liability.

Key details: Social-Host Ordinance: None — general noise + state law apply. Local Noise Authority: Reading Code § 387-104(A) and (B). State Disorderly Conduct: 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503. Summary DC Penalty: Up to 90 days, $300 fine. Furnishing to Minors: 18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.1 — $1,000 minimum fine.

Police can issue: a Chapter 387 noise citation ($25-$1,000 per day), a § 5503 disorderly conduct summary citation (up to $300 plus 90 days), or an arrest for misdemeanor disorderly conduct if intent to cause substantial harm is shown. Liability under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.1 for furnishing alcohol to minors is independent and stacks.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Reading has not codified a stand-alone outdoor-smoking ordinance for parks, sidewalks, or public spaces. Smoking restrictions in the city are governed primarily by the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act at 35 P.S. §637.1 et seq., which bans smoking in most indoor workplaces and public places statewide but leaves outdoor areas largely unregulated at the state level. The Reading Recreation and Parks Department may post no-smoking rules at specific facilities (notably playgrounds, splash pads, and youth-sports areas) under its general park-rules authority. Pennsylvania state and federal law preempts certain local outdoor-smoking restrictions; the Clean Indoor Air Act at §637.11 contains a partial-preemption provision.

Key details: Stand-Alone City Outdoor Smoking Ordinance: None codified. Statewide Indoor Statute: PA Clean Indoor Air Act, 35 P.S. §637.1 et seq. (Act 27 of 2008). Indoor Enforcer: Pennsylvania Department of Health + Berks County Department of Public Health. Park-Rules Authority: Reading Recreation and Parks Department (posted no-smoking at playgrounds/splash pads). Partial-Preemption Provision: 35 P.S. §637.11 (limits some stricter local rules).

Indoor smoking in a covered Reading workplace or public place under the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act is enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and (where the Department refers) by the Berks County Department of Public Health, with graduated penalties under 35 P.S. §637.10: warnings for first offense, $250 for second offense, $500 for third and subsequent offenses for individual smokers; employer-level penalties for permitting prohibited smoking range up to $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for subsequent offenses. Outdoor smoking at a Reading park, playground, or splash pad in violation of a posted no-smoking rule from the Recreation and Parks Department is enforceable as a park-rules violation under the Reading City Code, typically with citation issuance at the Magisterial District Court. Sale of tobacco products to a person under 21 in Reading is a violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §6305 enforceable by state and local authorities. Cannabis smoking in public is independently illegal in Pennsylvania (which has not legalized recreational marijuana as of May 2026, though medical marijuana is available under the Medical Marijuana Act at 35 P.S. §10231.101 et seq.).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reading actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.

The Bottom Line

Reading's public conduct rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Reading can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.