Bakersfield, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Where prohibited
- Streets, sidewalks, alleys, public lots
- Exception
- Ch. 12.20 permitted events
- First-offense infraction fine
- Up to $50
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Misdemeanor max
- $1,000 / 6 months jail
Summary
Bakersfield bans drinking or holding an open container of beer, wine or liquor on any street, sidewalk, alley, public parking lot or highway in the city, unless a Chapter 12.20 permit says otherwise.
Except as otherwise allowed by Chapter 12.20 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code, no person shall drink or possess an open container of any beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage on any street, sidewalk, pedestrian mall, alley, parking lot open to the general public, or highway in the city.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
16 Drinking on Street, makes it unlawful to drink or possess an open container of beer, wine or any other alcoholic beverage on any street, sidewalk, pedestrian mall, alley, parking lot open to the general public, or highway within city limits. 20 of the code, which governs permitted special events and street closures where the city has authorized on-street alcohol service or consumption as part of an approved event. 010 bars display of material harmful to minors in public places, showing the code treats the public right-of-way generally as off-limits for this cluster of conduct absent a permit. 010, applied citywide to any code violation that lacks its own specific penalty clause.
Violations & Fines
A § 9.16.010 violation is punishable under the general penalty at Section 1.40.010 as an infraction, up to $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second within a year, and $250 for each subsequent offense in that year, or as a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an open beer while walking down a Bakersfield sidewalk?
Is there an exception for street festivals or block parties?
What's the penalty for an open container in Bakersfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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