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Anne Arundel County, MD Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
County Code § 9-1-202
Maximum fine
$500
Maximum jail time
3 months
Where it applies
Public roads, sidewalks, vehicles
Key exception
Licensed for-hire vehicle passengers

Summary

Anne Arundel County bans drinking alcohol or carrying an open container of it on any public road, sidewalk, parking lot, or in a vehicle stopped on a public road, punishable by up to a $500 fine.

City-specific rules exist: Annapolis has its own public alcohol use rules that differ from Anne Arundel County's county-level regulations. If you live in Annapolis, check the city-specific page instead.

A person may not consume an alcoholic beverage on a public road in the County or in a vehicle while the vehicle is on a public road in the County. A person may not possess an open container of alcoholic beverage on a public road or in a vehicle while the vehicle is on a public road in the County.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).

Full Breakdown

County Code § 9-1-202 bars drinking alcohol, or carrying an open container of it, on any public road in the County, streets, sidewalks, medians, parking lots, and rights-of-way all count, or inside a vehicle while it's on a public road. The ban applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park, where the County Code is the only local law. Exceptions cover passengers in licensed for-hire vehicles, premises already licensed to serve alcohol, roads under an event permit, and containers stored out of the driver's or passengers' reach. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and up to three months in jail.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor charge; conviction carries a fine up to $500 and up to three months in jail, enforced by County police under § 9-1-202.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol on a sidewalk in Glen Burnie?
No. Glen Burnie is unincorporated, so County Code § 9-1-202 applies directly: drinking or carrying an open container on any public road, including sidewalks, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine.
Does the open container law apply inside a parked car?
Yes, if the vehicle is on a public road. § 9-1-202 prohibits open containers in a vehicle on a public road, though containers stored out of the driver's and passengers' reach are exempt.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

All Anne Arundel County rules

Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland public conduct overview

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