Bowie, MD Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Chapter 17, § 17-2G of the City of Bowie Code addresses alcoholic beverages on park property. Subsection G(1) prohibits consuming alcohol in any City park without a valid City permit or in violation of permit conditions. Subsection G(2) separately bans the unauthorized sale or consumption of alcohol in violation of applicable county, state, and federal law, layering city enforcement on top of Prince George's County and Maryland alcoholic-beverage regulation. Subsection G(3) lets individuals, groups, or organizations request permission to sell or consume alcohol at a park event by filing a written special authorization form with the City; the City Manager may deny any request if, in his opinion, the sale or consumption at the proposed time, place, or manner would impair public health, safety, or welfare.

Because Subsections G(1) and (2) are specifically listed among the exceptions in § 17-5B, violating either provision is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both, rather than the standard municipal infraction that applies to most other park rules. Bowie Police officers and park staff who observe unpermitted drinking or unauthorized alcohol sales in a City park can issue a citation on the spot leading to a criminal misdemeanor charge. Anyone planning a wedding, festival, or private party in a City park that will include alcohol should submit the special authorization request well before the event, since approval and any related use permit fees under § 17-3A must be finalized before the gathering.