Eugene, OR Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- EC 4.190
- Base penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 100 days jail
- Park exception
- Only with an EC 2.019 parks-director rule
- Stadium exemption window
- 6 hours before kickoff to game end
- Code currency
- Current through Ordinance 20739 (June 8, 2026)
Summary
Eugene bans drinking alcohol or carrying an open container in any public place or on private property open to the public under EC 4.190, current through Ordinance 20739 (June 8, 2026). Narrow exceptions cover OLCC-licensed venues, city park events approved by the parks director, and Autzen Stadium tailgating on University of Oregon football game days.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section, consumption of alcoholic liquor or possession of an open alcoholic beverage container is prohibited in a public place and on private property extended to the public for use, and no person shall drink, consume alcoholic liquor, or possess an open alcoholic beverage container in such a place or on such property, unless authorized by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission or other provisions of this code.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026).
Full Breakdown
190 prohibits consuming alcoholic liquor or possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a public place or on private property that is extended for public use, unless the activity is authorized by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission or another provision of the code. Three exceptions apply. Alcohol may be consumed at any place licensed in advance for that purpose by the OLCC. 019, with any required OLCC license also obtained. Separately, the code carves out a football-day exemption for Autzen Stadium: malt beverages and liquor may be consumed for six hours before kickoff through the end of the game in the state-owned parking lots next to the stadium, and in other mapped lots whose owner or operator has registered with the city, posted signs with two-inch letters, and handed each driver a notice in at least 12-point type covering the rules, including the ban on sales and on alcohol for minors.
That exemption is not transferable between properties or owners. 478(1); a first violation of that keg provision draws up to a $350 fine or 100 days in jail, rising to $2,500 for repeat violations.
Violations & Fines
A base violation of EC 4.190 falls under the chapter's general penalty at EC 4.995: a fine of up to $500, up to 100 days in jail, or both, unless an identical state statute carries a lesser penalty, in which case the lesser fine applies. Violating the terms of the Autzen Stadium exemption can trigger a separate administrative civil penalty under EC 4.996(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol in a Eugene city park?
Is the Autzen Stadium tailgating exemption automatic?
What happens if I'm caught with an open container downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eugene
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