Bethel, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Chapter 36 of the Bethel Code, adopted by Town Meeting on December 1, 1979, makes it illegal to consume or possess with intent to consume any alcoholic liquor within the limits of a public highway, public park, or public ground in Bethel. Section 36-1 defines PUBLIC HIGHWAYS to include sidewalks, and PUBLIC PARKS and PUBLIC GROUNDS as any area owned by or under the control of the Town of Bethel or customarily used by the general public. POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO CONSUME covers having liquor in a glass, open bottle, open can, or other open container in a way that permits drinking, so a sealed, unopened bottle in a bag is not by itself a violation.

Section 36-2 extends the ban to a motor vehicle parked on any of those premises, so drinking a beer in a car parked at a town park or along a public street is treated the same as drinking on the sidewalk itself. The only carve-out is Section 36-3: alcohol may be possessed and consumed at a public function, festival, or celebration, but only after the First Selectman has given written authorization to permit the sale, service, or distribution of alcoholic liquor at that event. Without that written sign-off first, the exception does not apply even at an otherwise Town-sanctioned gathering.

Enforcement falls to Bethel Police, and Section 36-4 caps the penalty at a fine of not more than $100 for each offense; the chapter does not authorize any additional civil penalty beyond that criminal fine.