Apple Valley, MN Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 95.03(G) of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances is the park alcohol rule adopted by the Apple Valley City Council in Dakota County, Minnesota. Subsection (G)(1) allows persons 21 years of age or older to possess, consume or display alcoholic beverages in any park. The allowance carries a hard exception: no distilled spirits are allowed in any park, except at Valleywood Golf Course.

The code spells out what counts as distilled spirits: distilled beverages containing ethyl alcohol or hydrated oxide of ethyl, including, but not limited to, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, tequila, vodka, schnapps, and liqueur including all dilutions and mixtures thereof. Because the definition reaches dilutions and mixtures, a spirits-based mixed drink falls under the spirits ban in a park just as a bottle of spirits does.

Valleywood Golf Course runs on its own terms. Distilled spirits can be purchased from, consumed, possessed or displayed within Valleywood Golf Course in accordance with its liquor license under this code and state law. Subsection (G)(2) then closes the door on outside drinks: no person shall possess or consume an alcoholic beverage within Valleywood Golf Course property that was not purchased at Valleywood Golf Course and provided through its licensed on-sale alcohol vendor. The one carve-out is for alcoholic beverages possessed or consumed in conjunction with an alcoholic beverage tasting sponsored by the city's liquor store.

"Park" is defined in § 95.02 as a park, playground, beach or other area within the city, owned, leased or used, wholly or in part, by the city for park and recreational purposes or which is designated by the City Council as a park. Elsewhere, the disorderly conduct section, § 130.02(H), lists drinking or displaying any intoxicating liquor, wine or 3.2% malt liquor on or about any premises where the drinking or display is prohibited by law or ordinance as an unlawful act. Section 95.03(U) exempts city agents, employees and police officers acting in their official capacity from the section.