Denton, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Fry Street District streets & sidewalks
- What's banned
- open or previously-opened glass containers
- Max fine
- $500 per violation (general penalty)
- Police authority
- can order you to leave & surrender container
Summary
Denton prohibits carrying an open or previously opened glass container on streets, sidewalks, or parking areas throughout the Fry Street District unless you're still on the premises where you got it.
(a)Prohibitions. No person shall possess within the Fry Street District upon or immediately adjacent to any right-of-way, street, sidewalk, pedestrian way, or parking area, any glass container which is open or has been previously opened except for use on the premises where the glass containers are acquired.(b)Exemptions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession of the following glass containers in the Fry Street District:(1)Baby bottles containing products for consumption by babies;(2)Glass drug containers containing prescription drugs;(3)Glass containers that are being transported in a trash bag directly to a trash or recycling container for disposal or recycling purposes;(4)Glass lined vacuum picnic containers or thermos bottles; and(5)Any container as permitted by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Ann. 28.10(b). (Ord. No. 23-386, § 2(Exh. A), 7-18-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City ordinance Sec. 24-301 bans possessing an open or previously-opened glass container on any right-of-way, street, sidewalk, pedestrian way, or parking area within the Fry Street District, the bar strip near UNT bounded by Welch, Oak, Ave. B, Ave. A, Mulberry, and Hickory streets. The rule targets bar patrons walking outside with drinks. Exemptions cover baby bottles, prescription drug containers, glass being carried straight to a recycling bin, vacuum picnic containers/thermos bottles, and any container allowed under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 28.10(b). A Denton police officer who judges someone's presence is causing a public-peace problem can order that person to leave and surrender the open container on the spot.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 24-301 carries up to a $500 fine under the city's general penalty section; refusing a police order to leave and surrender the open container under Sec. 24-302 is a separate offense, and each day of violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the open container ban apply citywide in Denton?
Can I carry a plastic cup with alcohol on Fry Street?
What happens if I refuse a police order to leave?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle public alcohol use.