York County, PA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

York County Code § 75-21, part of the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations adopted May 6, 2020 by Ordinance No. 2020-01, prohibits transporting, selling, consuming or possessing any intoxicating beverage or substance anywhere within the county park system, defined in § 75-1 as any land or facility owned or leased by the County and used for park or recreational purposes. Subsection A(3) separately bars being under the influence of intoxicants while in a park, so the rule reaches people who show up already impaired, not just those carrying alcohol with them.

Subsection B directs Park Rangers to confiscate any alcoholic beverage, its container and its dispensing system on sight and dispose of it under Department policy, meaning seized items are not returned. Subsection C carves out the sole exception: alcohol is allowed only with the Director of the York County Department of Parks and Recreation's prior expressed written approval, the same permit mechanism used for weddings and catered events at facilities such as Rudy Park or Nixon Park. Park Rangers, sworn under § 75-38, and any police officer with jurisdiction enforce the section.

Under § 75-39, a violation is a summary offense carrying a fine of $75 to $800 plus costs and restitution, and up to 30 days in jail, with prosecution brought in the name of the County of York. A Ranger who witnesses a violation may arrest and detain the person and issue a nontraffic citation under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.