Fairfield, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Article II of Chapter 46, adopted by the Representative Town Meeting in 1991 as the 'Ordinance Forbidding the Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor in and on Public Highways, Sidewalks and Parking Areas,' bans consuming or possessing alcohol with intent to consume anywhere on a Town public highway, sidewalk or parking area. Section 46-4 defines 'possession with intent to consume' as having alcoholic liquor in a glass, open bottle, open can or other open container so as to permit consumption, borrowing the state's definitions of 'alcoholic liquor' and 'parked vehicle' from Sections 30-1 and 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Section 46-5 extends the ban explicitly to parked vehicles sitting on a public highway, sidewalk or parking area, so an open container inside a car parked on the street is still a violation even if no one is drinking at that moment. The only carve-out, under § 46-6, lets the Police Chief issue a written permit allowing alcohol sale, service or distribution at a public function, festival or celebration on a highway, sidewalk or parking area; the sponsor must apply at least ten business days ahead, show proof of insurance or a hold-harmless agreement, and secure any required state Department of Liquor Control and zoning approvals. Violations of the public-consumption ban itself are punished under § 46-7 with a fine between $25 and $100 per offense.