Adams County, CO Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Adult alcohol use
- Permitted in county parks, trails, open space
- Under 21
- Cannot possess or consume alcohol or marijuana
- Marijuana
- Public consumption banned for all ages
- Fine
- $100 civil infraction per violation
- Rule
- Resolution 2022-649, Rule 11(a),(b)
Summary
Adults may possess and drink alcohol in Adams County parks, trails and open space areas under Resolution 2022-649's Rule 11, but anyone under 21 may not possess or consume alcohol or marijuana there, and consuming marijuana in public is banned outright regardless of age.
Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted within Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas in compliance with Park Rules & Regulations and Colorado State Law. (a) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall possess or consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana or marijuana by-product in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area. (b) No persons shall consume marijuana in a public place in any Adams County park, trail, or open space areas. ... Violation of any other Rule or Regulation adopted herein shall be a Civil Infraction as provided for in C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), as amended, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per violation (as required by C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a)), plus any applicable fees and surcharges, or as otherwise provided by law.
Full Breakdown
Rule 11 of the Adams County POSCA Rules and Regulations, adopted by Resolution 2022-649 on December 6, 2022, opens by stating that possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted within Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas in compliance with the Park Rules and Regulations and Colorado state law. Rule 11(a) then narrows that general allowance: no person under twenty-one years of age shall possess or consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana or marijuana by-product in any Adams County park, trail or open space area.
Rule 11(b) separately bans consuming marijuana in a public place within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, regardless of the user's age. The rule sits alongside Rule 12, which makes any conduct that substantially interferes with other users' enjoyment of the area, including amplified sound and noise, a general nuisance. § 29-7-101(2), punishable by a $100 fine per violation plus fees and surcharges, on top of any separate state charge for underage possession or public marijuana use.
Violations & Fines
Underage possession or consumption of alcohol or marijuana, and public marijuana use by anyone, in an Adams County park, trail or open space area violates Rule 11 and is a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), carrying a $100 fine per violation plus fees and surcharges. Underage alcohol possession can also draw a separate charge under state minor-in-possession law. Park Rangers and sheriff's deputies can issue a penalty assessment notice or citation for any Rule 11 violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults drink beer at an Adams County park?
Is it legal for a minor to have a beer at a county park?
Can I smoke marijuana in an Adams County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado public conduct overview
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