Drinking alcohol in Fairfax County parks, sidewalks, and most public spaces is prohibited under VA Code Section 4.1-308, except at licensed venues like Reston Town Center designated outdoor refreshment areas and special-event permits.
Virginia Code Section 4.1-308 prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public places, including streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and motor vehicles in Fairfax County. Designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) approved through Virginia ABC and county zoning, such as portions of Reston Town Center and Mosaic District during permitted events, allow on-premises licensee drinks within marked boundaries. Parties using county park pavilions need a special use permit and ABC banquet license to serve alcohol. Open containers in vehicles are separately barred under VA Code Section 18.2-323.1.
Drinking outside DORAs or licensed premises is a Class 4 misdemeanor with civil penalty; vehicle open containers can add separate charges.
See how Fairfax County's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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