Carrollton, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Streets/sidewalks/lots
- Flat ban, no exception, Section 130.26(B)(1)
- Other public places
- Barred unless a listed permit exception applies
- Open container
- Prima facie evidence of a violation
- Downtown Square city events
- Beer/wine allowed until 2:15 a.m.
- Event security
- Applicant funds off-duty police, Section 130.26(B)(3)
Summary
Drinking alcohol on Carrollton streets, sidewalks, alleys, public parking lots and transit centers is unlawful outright. Consumption in other public places adjoining a street is also barred unless it falls under a listed permit exception, such as a TABC-licensed business, an approved special event, or the Downtown Square during a permitted event.
(1) Streets, sidewalks and public transit centers. It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage on any public street, alley, sidewalk, public parking lot or public transit center in the city. (2) Public places. It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage on any public place adjacent to any street, sidewalk or alley in the city. However, such consumption shall be lawful if... (4)(b) Possession in a public place of an open container of any alcoholic beverage shall be prima facie evidence of an offense under this section.
Full Breakdown
26(B)(1) makes it unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage on any public street, alley, sidewalk, public parking lot or public transit center in the city, a flat ban with no permit exception listed for those locations. 26(B)(2) separately bans consumption on any public place adjacent to a street, sidewalk or alley, but lists five lawful exceptions: a business holding a valid TABC liquor permit and city permit; an approved special event where alcohol is sold under a TABC permit within a roofed, enclosed area with secured entry and exit; the Downtown Square during a permitted special event, again within an enclosed, roofed area; a golf course holding a TABC and city permit, including the crossing street between golf course sections; and private events at the Senior Center or Perry Museum under a TABC permit with police presence if the Chief of Police requires it.
m. 99, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a public place is made prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning the open container alone can establish the offense without more. 26(B)(4)(c). 26(B)(3), with the City Manager or designee deciding how many officers a given event needs.
Violations & Fines
Consuming alcohol on a street, sidewalk, alley, public parking lot or transit center, or on another public place without qualifying for a listed exception, is a misdemeanor under Section 130.26(B)(4)(a), fined under the general penalty at Section 10.99. Simple possession of an open container in a public place is prima facie evidence of the offense under Section 130.26(B)(4)(b), and no intent showing is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink a beer on a Carrollton sidewalk?
Is there an open-air drinking district in Carrollton?
What is the penalty for an open container violation in Carrollton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carrollton
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle public alcohol use.