Arlington, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Public open container
- Prohibited
- Entertainment District
- Licensed exception
- Vehicle rule
- Tex Penal 49.031
- Max fine
- $500
Summary
Arlington prohibits open alcohol containers in public streets and parks under Chapter 9 of the City Code, with limited exceptions inside licensed Entertainment District venues at AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Texas Live!
Sec. 49.02. PUBLIC INTOXICATION. (a) A person commits an offense if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another. (a-1) For the purposes of this section, a premises licensed or permitted under the Alcoholic Beverage Code is a public place. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the alcohol or other substance was administered for therapeutic purposes and as a part of the person's professional medical treatment by a licensed physician. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Sec. 49.031. POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IN MOTOR VEHICLE.
Full Breakdown
Arlington Code Chapter 9 prohibits possession of an open container of alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, and city parks. Texas Penal Code Section 49.031 separately bans open containers in vehicle passenger areas. Inside the Entertainment District, Texas Live! and Choctaw Stadium hold licensed common-area permits allowing outdoor consumption within posted boundaries during events. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor have separate TABC licenses for in-park consumption. Tailgating in privately leased Cowboys and Rangers lots is permitted under stadium policies, but spilling onto public streets triggers Chapter 9 enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Open container in public is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Public intoxication adds a separate charge under Texas Penal Code 49.02. Repeat offenders face higher fines and potential community service orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk between Texas Live! and the stadium with a drink?
What about tailgating?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle public alcohol use.