Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles statewide and on most public streets and parks across Hennepin County, with limited exceptions for licensed events and patios.
Minnesota's open-container law at Minn. Stat. 169A.35 bars open alcohol containers in motor vehicles on public roads. Hennepin County cities also prohibit open containers in public rights-of-way, parks, and parking lots. Minneapolis and St. Anthony Falls Riverfront permit certain licensed event zones such as outdoor festivals and ballpark plazas. Sealed liquor purchases in original packaging may be transported home. Public intoxication itself is decriminalized in Minnesota under Minn. Stat. 340A.902, though disorderly conduct remains chargeable.
Open container in a vehicle is a misdemeanor; violating local park or street drinking bans brings citations from $100 to $700 depending on city.
See how Bloomington's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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