Chico, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Streets, sidewalks, public parking lots
- Also covers
- Posted private/multi-unit lots
- Possession penalty
- Infraction
- Consumption penalty
- Misdemeanor or infraction
Summary
Chico bans possessing an open alcoholic beverage container or drinking on public streets, sidewalks, and parking lots, plus posted private commercial and multi-unit residential lots, under Municipal Code Section 9.30.030.
[I]t shall be unlawful for any person to possess an open alcoholic beverage container upon any of the following properties within the city: 1. Upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, parking lot, or other property which is owned by or leased to the city and open to members of the general public... 5. All city properties designated as city parks and playgrounds pursuant to Section 12.04.010 of this code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code Section 9.30.030 makes it unlawful to possess an open container of alcohol or to drink on any public street, sidewalk, alley, or parking lot open to the public, on any commercial private parking lot, on a posted multi-unit residential parking lot, on posted premises abutting an off-sale liquor licensee, or in city parks and playgrounds. Section 9.30.040 exempts city-permitted special events, licensed outdoor cafes and franchised sales, leased city property whose lease allows it, and private commercial lots where the owner consents. Violating the possession ban is an infraction; violating the consumption ban is a misdemeanor or infraction, enforceable by criminal citation or administrative fine under Section 9.30.070.
Violations & Fines
Possessing an open container in a covered area is an infraction with a council-set fine; drinking in a covered area is a misdemeanor or infraction under Section 9.30.070, enforced by criminal citation or Chapter 1.15 administrative fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an open beer on a Chico sidewalk?
Does the open-container ban apply to my apartment parking lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.