Public Conduct in Birmingham, AL (2026)
6 verified public conduct rules for Birmingham, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
Birmingham bans begging in an aggressive manner, within 30 feet of ATMs and business entrances, from drivers in traffic, in groups of two or more, or with profane language or physical contact. Passive sign-holding is exempt. Violations carry the Code's general fine up to $500 and up to six months in jail.
Birmingham Aggressive Panhandling Ban
Significant RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances § 12-14-11
It shall be unlawful for any person to beg, ask or solicit alms or financial assistance, including money and other things of value: (1)In an aggressive manner in or upon any public street or way or public or private place in the city from any person, including sidewalks, streets, alleys driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, buildings, doorways and entrances to buildings and the grounds enclos...
Skateboarding Rules
Skateboarding, roller skating and similar wheeled recreation are banned outright inside Linn Park and Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham's two downtown civic parks, plus the sidewalks bordering them. City Code § 4-2-14 doesn't touch skateboarding elsewhere in the city; a related sidewalk law bans rollerskating in the downtown 'loop' business district and near churches during services.
Birmingham Skateboard Ban in Two Parks
Significant RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances § 4-2-14
It shall be unlawful for any person to skate on roller skates, skate board, or similar item within Linn Park and Kelly Ingram Park or upon any sidewalk abutting said Linn Park and Kelly Ingram Park.
Loitering Rules
Birmingham makes it a crime to loiter or wander in a public place for begging, gambling, or soliciting prostitution or deviate sexual intercourse, or to loiter in a bus or transit facility to solicit unauthorized sales. The offense reaches conduct in any place the public has substantial access to, not just streets and sidewalks.
Birmingham Loitering Law: Begging, Gambling, Solicitation
Some RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-6-14
Sec. 11-6-14. - Loitering. (a)A person commits the crime of loitering if he or she:(1)Loiters, remains or wanders about in a public place for the purpose of begging;(2)Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of gambling;(3)Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of engaging or soliciting another person to engage in prostitution or deviate sexual intercourse; or(4)Loite...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Birmingham bans smoking within 7 feet of prohibited-smoking buildings, in outdoor restaurant/bar seating on public property, and within 30 feet of arena bleachers, and establishes a downtown 'health district' banning outdoor smoking on its streets, sidewalks and parks entirely.
Birmingham Outdoor Smoking Ban and Health District
Significant RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances § 11-9-10(e); § 11-9-10.1
(e)Regulation of smoking in outdoor public places. Smoking shall be prohibited in the following outdoor places:(1)In and within, seven feet outside entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, so as to prevent tobacco smoke from entering those areas.(2)In and within, outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and bars located on public property...
Jaywalking
Birmingham requires pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk to travel by the shortest, right-angle route to the opposite curb, and to use the right half of any crosswalk. Pedestrians must also obey traffic control signals, making mid-block diagonal crossing a ticketable offense.
Birmingham Jaywalking: Cross at Right Angles
Light RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-12-3
Sec. 10-12-3. - Crossing at right angles. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb, except in a crosswalk.
Public Alcohol Use
Birmingham bans drinking liquor, wine, malt, or brewed beverages in any public place other than a licensed liquor or beer establishment. Section 12-10-9 extends that licensed-place exception to outdoor cafes the city council has specifically authorized by resolution, but anywhere else, open or unconcealed possession for drinking is itself unlawful.
Birmingham Public Drinking Ban
Significant RestrictionsBirmingham Code of Ordinances § 12-10-9
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to drink or have in open or unconcealed possession or custody for drinking any liquor or wine, at or in any public place in the city other than a licensed liquor place, which shall include outdoor cafes authorized for the sale of alcoholic beverages by resolution of the city council.(b)It shall be unlawful for any person to drink, or have in open or unconc...
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