Arlington Heights, IL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 8-502 makes it unlawful for any person to possess an alcoholic beverage in a public street or other public place unless the container is in its original, factory-sealed form with the seal unbroken, or unless possession occurs on the premises of an establishment holding a valid Village liquor license. The Section defines 'public place' broadly: it covers all Village streets, Village-owned parking facilities, parking lots and common areas serving commercial establishments, and parking and common areas serving multi-family residential buildings with four or more dwelling units.

The multi-family carve-in only applies where the property's owner, manager, or owners' association has stated in writing that it intends the ban to apply to its common areas; that written statement may also reserve management's right to issue one-day permits letting residents hold social gatherings with alcohol in the common area. A related provision, Section 8-503, separately bans transporting or carrying alcoholic liquor on one's person or in a vehicle anywhere on a Village street, alley, or other public place unless it remains in an unopened original package. Section 8-502 was adopted by Ordinance #98-047 and sits in Chapter 8, Article V (Other Offenses Relating to Public Peace and Welfare).