Aurora, CO Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Aurora City Code § 94-313(b)
- Covers
- Malt, vinous, spirituous liquor
- Park exception
- Malt/vinous liquor may be allowed
- Glass ban
- All city parks, separately (94-313(c))
- Max penalty
- $2,650 fine / 364 days jail
Summary
Aurora bans open containers of malt, vinous, or spirituous liquor in any public place, including vehicles on city streets, with a specific carve-out letting parks permit malt and vinous liquor.
Except as stated below, it shall be unlawful for any person to consume or have in his or her possession any open, or unsealed container of malt, vinous, or spirituous liquor, as defined in section 6-1 of this Code, in any public place or area open to the public, including but not limited to, inside a vehicle while upon any street, road, or highway, except on any premises licensed to sell such liquor by the drink or consumption thereon during such hours as the sale of such liquor is permitted. This subsection shall not apply to city parks, recreation and open space facilities regarding the consumption of malt or vinous liquors, which may be permitted.
(c) The possession of any glass container within any park or recreation area of the City is unlawful, unless the glass container is and remains in a vehicle located in such park or recreation area and the contents are not being consumed in the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code Sec. 94-313(b) makes it unlawful to consume or possess any open or unsealed container of malt, vinous, or spirituous liquor in any public place or area open to the public, including inside a vehicle on a street, road, or highway: except on licensed premises during permitted sale hours. Subsection (b) exempts city parks, recreation, and open space facilities from the ban on malt or vinous liquor specifically. Glass containers are separately banned in all city parks and recreation areas under subsection (c), and spectators or participants at any scheduled athletic event on city park or recreation land may not have an open container of any ethyl alcohol under subsection (d), regardless of the malt/vinous exception.
Violations & Fines
General penalty under Sec. 1-13: up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 364 days in jail; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink beer or wine in an Aurora, CO park?
Is an open beer allowed in my car in Aurora, CO?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle public alcohol use.