Public Conduct in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
4 verified public conduct rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Skateboarding Rules
Bethlehem prohibits roller skating, skateboarding or operating any recreational-type device on the city's downtown Pedestrian Malls, an area defined by boundaries around Broad, Main, Walnut and Guetter Streets. Violations carry the same tiered fine schedule as other mall rules.
Bethlehem Bans Skateboarding on Pedestrian Malls
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 951.13
951.13 ROLLER SKATES. No person shall roller skate, ride on a skate board or operate any recreational type device on the Pedestrian Malls nor shall any person permit same to be operated. (Ord. 2910 - Passed 11/15/83.)
Loitering Rules
Bethlehem bans loitering that blocks a public street, sidewalk, bridge, or building, or that interferes with a business's ingress and egress. Section 705.05 defines loitering as remaining idle or lingering without purpose, and requires a police officer to order a violator to stop before any citation can issue.
Bethlehem Loitering Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 705.05
(a) No person shall loiter in a public place, as hereinafter defined, in such manner as to obstruct any public street, public sidewalk, public bridge, or other public place or public building by hindering or impeding or tending to hinder or impede the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicles or pedestrians... ... (c) Definitions, for purposes of this section are as follows: (1) "Loitering" sh...
Public Marijuana Use
Bethlehem bans personal possession or use of a small amount of marijuana anywhere in the city, including public consumption, as a summary offense under Codified Ordinances section 744.02. Fines start at $25 and climb to $150 or community service for repeat violations within a calendar year.
Bethlehem Marijuana Possession and Use Fines
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem Section 744.02
744.02 POSSESSION. a. Personal Possession or Personal Use of Small Amounts of Marijuana. (1) So long as marijuana shall be listed as a controlled substance in the "Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," 1972, April 14, P.L. 233, No. 64, § 1 et seq., 35 P.S. § 780-101 et seq., no person shall be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. (2) The following shall be summary offen...
Public Alcohol Use
Bethlehem bans alcoholic beverages in city parks except inside designated pavilions at Monocacy, Saucon and South Mountain parks, and only under a permit's restrictions on beverage type, container and location. Public drunkenness in a park is also a separate violation.
Bethlehem Limits Alcohol in City Parks
Significant RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 941.06(a)
(a) Alcoholic Beverages. No alcoholic beverages shall be brought into or consumed in any City park except designated pavilions at Monocacy Park, Saucon Park and South Mountain Park. ... (B) Alcoholic beverage use is limited to malt or brewed beverages (beer, ale, malt liquor) and wine. Distilled spirits such as whiskey, scotch, gin or any alcoholic beverage with an alcoholic content of more tha...