Burlington Code Chapter 27 prohibits open containers of alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and parking areas, with limited exemptions for permitted special events on Church Street Marketplace and other approved venues.
Drinking alcoholic beverages or possessing an open container in public rights-of-way, parks, and Church Street Marketplace is prohibited absent a special-event liquor permit issued by the Burlington Liquor Control Commission. The Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park host periodic Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas, and licensed sidewalk cafes may serve within their roped boundary. Police regularly enforce open-container prohibitions during summer events, on the Burlington Bike Path, and in residential neighborhoods near UVM during weekends.
Open-container offenses are civil ordinance violations carrying fines starting around $100 plus court fees. Repeat offenses or combined disorderly conduct can elevate to criminal misdemeanor charges.
See how Burlington's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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