Cedar Rapids, IA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Public intoxication
- Banned via Iowa Code 123.46
- Open containers
- Barred 2 a.m.-6 a.m.
- Grace period
- Patrons must leave by 2:15 a.m.
- Enforcement
- License suspension or revocation
Summary
Cedar Rapids bans public intoxication by adopting Iowa's consumption-in-public-place statute, and separately bars open containers of alcohol on licensed premises between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. every day.
51.14 - CONSUMPTION IN PUBLIC PLACES—INTOXICATION. Iowa Code Section 123.46 (2019), as may be amended, is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set out herein.
(023-19)
51.15 - PROHIBITED LATE NIGHT SALES AND ACTS. (a)It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, dispense or permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any day of the week upon licensed premises under the person's possession.(b)It shall be unlawful for any person to permit the presence of open containers of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day of the week upon licensed premises under the person's possession.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).
Full Breakdown
Section 51.14 of the Municipal Code incorporates Iowa Code § 123.46 by reference, making public intoxication and simulated intoxication unlawful citywide. Section 51.15 goes further for licensed bars and restaurants: it is unlawful to sell, dispense, or permit consumption of alcohol, or to permit open containers to be present, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Patrons already inside a licensed premises get until 2:15 a.m. to leave; after that, remaining or loitering on the premises during closed hours is itself unlawful.
Violations & Fines
Violating the § 51.15 late-night sales, open-container, or loitering rules can trigger license suspension or revocation and civil penalties under § 51.16, following notice and a hearing under § 51.17.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Rapids
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