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Billings, MT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Fine
Up to $500
Jail
Up to 6 months
Coverage
Citywide, incl. vehicles
Exception
Special event permit only
Governing section
Sec. 3-202

Summary

Billings bans drinking or carrying open alcoholic beverage containers anywhere in city limits, streets, parks, vehicles, under Sec. 3-202, unless a special event permit has been issued by the city administrator.

Public drinking and public display and exhibitionism of alcoholic beverages as defined in section 3-201 is prohibited and it is unlawful for any person to engage in public drinking as defined in section 3-201 within the limits of the city, and it is unlawful for any person to engage in public display or exhibitionism of alcoholic beverages as defined in section 3-201 within the city limits.

Source: Billings Municipal Code Chapter 25View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Billings' municipal code bans public drinking and public display of alcoholic beverages anywhere within city limits under Sec. 3-202, part of Article 3-200 (Public Drinking and Display). The ban reaches streets, sidewalks, parks, and any motor vehicle, and also outlaws carrying open cans, bottles, or glasses of alcohol in public even without drinking from them. The one way around it is a special permit for a specific location and event, issued by the city administrator under Sec. 3-203, with a fee covering administrative costs and a right to appeal a denial to the city council.

Violations & Fines

Public drinking or public display of open alcohol containers in Billings is a misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 6 months in jail, or both, under the Code's general penalty section, Sec. 1-110.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol on a Billings sidewalk?
No. Sec. 3-202 bans public drinking and open display of alcoholic beverages anywhere in city limits, including inside motor vehicles.
Are there exceptions for festivals or block parties?
Yes. Event organizers can get a special permit for public drinking at a specific location from the city administrator under Sec. 3-203, for a fee.
What's the penalty for public drinking in Billings?
It's a misdemeanor: up to a $500 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or both, under the Code's general penalty provision, Sec. 1-110.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

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All Billings rules

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