Reading, PA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Reading's Codified Ordinances do not include a dedicated 'social-host' or 'unruly gathering' chapter of the kind some California or New Jersey cities have adopted. Instead, loud parties are reached through layered authority. Locally, Chapter 387 applies: § 387-104(A) prohibits amplified music that is plainly audible across a property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. (or that causes a disturbance at any hour); § 387-104(B) prohibits 'loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing' on public streets between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.; § 387-103 catches any general disturbance. State law adds 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503 (Disorderly Conduct), which makes it a summary offense (or misdemeanor of the third degree, in aggravating circumstances) to engage in fighting, make 'unreasonable noise,' use 'obscene language or gesture,' or create a hazardous or physically offensive condition with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm — or recklessly creating that risk. A summary disorderly conduct charge carries up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $300; the misdemeanor version carries up to one year and $2,500. If underage drinkers are present, the host may face 18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.1 (Selling or furnishing liquor to minors) — a misdemeanor of the third degree with a mandatory $1,000 minimum fine for a first offense.