Public Alcohol Use: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do public alcohol use rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Drinking alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, and parking lots in Los Angeles is prohibited under LAMC §41.27. California Business & Professions Code §25620 also bans open containers in public, and parks are restricted under LAMC §63.44 — Special Event Permits allow exceptions.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Streets/sidewalks | - | LAMC §41.27 prohibits drinking |
| State law | - | B&P Code §25620 open container |
| Parks ban | - | LAMC §63.44 without permit |
| Permit option | - | Special Event Permit required |
| Entertainment zones | - | SB 969 pilot areas exist |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I drink a beer on the sidewalk in LA?
No. LAMC §41.27 bans alcohol consumption on public streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Even sealed open containers can violate California Business & Professions Code §25620.
What about drinking in a city park?
Generally no — LAMC §63.44 and §63.95 prohibit alcohol in parks and on beaches without a Special Event Permit issued by the Police Commission and ABC.
Are there entertainment zones with outdoor drinking?
Yes. Under California SB 969, LA designated pilot entertainment zones in parts of DTLA and Hollywood where outdoor drinking is allowed during permitted events with cup restrictions.
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