Decatur, AL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Two sections cover public alcohol. Section 2.5-5, Offenses in public, makes it unlawful to drink, sell, serve, dispense or give away liquor, wine or malt or brewed beverages while upon any street, alley, public building or other public property, or in any other public place in the city. Public place includes any place or gathering the public attends or is admitted to, and the section names public parks, city hall, the library, school buildings, auditoriums, stores, theaters and athletic contests. Premises licensed by the city to sell those beverages are excluded from the definition.

Section 2.5-15 targets containers. It is unlawful to possess an opened container of alcoholic beverages on or along a public street, road or highway, in a motor vehicle on one, or in any other public place. The code defines alcoholic beverages as drinks containing one-half of one per cent or more of alcohol by volume, and an opened container as one opened or unsealed after the manufacturer or importer filled and sealed it. Subsection (b)(3) also bars carrying alcohol in an open glass, cup, can or other receptacle that is not its original container. Possessing or using alcohol at any public park without city council approval, or at a municipal playground, municipal recreation facility, or school playground, stadium or recreational facility, is separately unlawful.

Two exemptions apply. An open container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway is left to state law under Act No. 2000-670 of the Alabama Legislature. An open container inside the Arts and Entertainment District is allowed to the extent article IX of chapter 25 authorizes. Off-premises retailers must place each container in an opaque bag, box or similar covering before the customer leaves the building (Sec. 2.5-12).