Chattanooga, TN Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 5-68 defines an "open container" as any drinking or pouring vessel, including an open or unsealed bottle, jar, can or cup, or one with a lid but a straw protruding through it or only a partial lid, where the contents are capable of immediate consumption. Subsection (b) lists seven places where drinking or holding an open container is unlawful: public streets, alleys, avenues and highways; public sidewalks; public parks; public school grounds; any other public place; teen social clubs as defined in Chapter 11; and any parking lot held open to public use.

Subsection (c) separately bars consuming alcohol on the private business premises of another person without that owner's or controller's permission. " Subsection (e) exempts sale or consumption under a temporary beer permit issued by the City Beer Board or a special occasion license issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, but only at the location named in that permit or license and only while the activity conforms to the Chattanooga City Code and ABC requirements. A. Sec. 57-5-101(b), consumed aboard a pedal carriage under the conditions the ordinance sets. The section was last amended by Ord. No. 14090, Sec. 1, adopted March 12, 2024.