Columbus, OH Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 919.13
- Penalty
- up to $250 fine, 30 days
- Scope
- all Columbus parks
- Exceptions
- zoo, golf courses, 7 named parks
- Citywide open-container law
- repealed in 2021
Summary
Columbus bans possessing alcohol with intent to consume it in any city park, with narrow exceptions for permitted golf courses, the Zoo, and a handful of named parks.
No person shall knowingly possess with the purpose to consume any liquor or beer, as defined in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, while being in or upon any park.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 919.13 makes it unlawful to knowingly possess liquor or beer with the purpose to consume it in or upon any Columbus park; anyone found in a park holding alcohol is presumed to intend to drink it. Exceptions exist for municipal golf course concessions, the Columbus Zoo, the Cultural Arts Center, Franklin, Goodale, Harrison, Mayme Moore, Schiller, Frank Fetch and Berliner Parks, rental shelter houses, and Downtown District parkland, but only with written authorization from the Recreation and Parks director. Columbus repealed its general open-container ordinance in 2021, so this park rule is the city's operative public-alcohol restriction.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor of the fourth degree: fine up to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both, per City Code § 919.99(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol in a Columbus park?
Is there a citywide open-container law in Columbus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Ohio public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.