Lakewood vs Long Beach
How do public alcohol use rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.
Lakewood, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 13.36.050 prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in unincorporated parks, beaches, parking lots, and public streets without a permit. California Business and Professions Code Section 25620 also makes possessing an open container in any public place a statewide infraction enforced by LASD.
View full Lakewood rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in public places including streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and the bike path, with limited exceptions for permitted special events.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| County code | LACO Title 13.36.050 | - |
| State law | BPC Section 25620 | - |
| Permit issuer | Parks, Beaches and Harbors | - |
| Base fine | Approximately $100-$250 | - |
| Enforcement | LASD and park rangers | - |
| Code section | - | LBMC Chapter 9.32 |
| Beach | - | Open containers prohibited |
| Bike path | - | Alcohol prohibited |
| Exceptions | - | Permitted special events |
| Vehicle rule | - | Vehicle Code 23222 also applies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Can I drink wine at a beach picnic in LA County?
No. Alcohol is prohibited on county beaches under Title 13.36.050. Only specific picnic shelters in select parks allow alcohol with an advance reservation and permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
What about an open container in my parked car?
California Vehicle Code 23223 prohibits open containers in motor vehicles on highways, including parked cars, with limited exceptions for the sealed trunk or living quarters of a motorhome that meet statutory criteria.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I drink at the beach?
No. Long Beach prohibits alcohol and open containers on city beaches and the bike path. Only permitted special events with designated drinking zones may allow alcohol on the sand.
What about sidewalk dining?
Yes, within a permitted sidewalk-dining boundary tied to an ABC license, alcohol service is allowed. Outside that footprint, the open-container rule applies and citations may follow.
Compare other topics
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