Auburn, AL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 3-57 makes it unlawful to possess or drink intoxicating liquor within the confines or parking area of a stadium, basketball court or other venue during an athletic event, and separately bars drinking in any other public place except where the liquor is sold for on-premises consumption under both a city and Alabama ABC license. The code defines 'public place' broadly: streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, public buildings such as city hall, libraries, schools and recreation centers, theaters, skating rinks, dance halls, parking lots of apartment houses and places of amusement, restaurants and hotel lobbies, retail stores, and common areas of apartment buildings, but not a private residence and its surrounding premises.

Exceptions exist for city-approved outdoor cafes holding both a state ABC license and a city alcoholic beverage license, and for special community events approved individually by the city council or city manager. Applicants for those special events must arrange security review with the public safety department at their own cost, file an indemnification agreement with the city manager, and carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate, plus liquor liability coverage of at least $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate if alcohol is sold.

Separately, Sec. 3-58 lets the city council designate an 'entertainment district' downtown where patrons may carry open containers between licensed premises during council-approved special events, but only in shatter-resistant containers and only with alcohol purchased within the district.