Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Fargo

Fargo, ND Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Citation
Fargo Municipal Code § 10-0327
Covers
Streets, sidewalks, alleys, public property
Penalty class
Infraction, fine up to $1,000
Exception
Licensed premises or special event permit
Enacted by
Ordinance 5471 (2025)

Summary

Fargo prohibits consuming alcohol or possessing an open container on streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public property citywide, with narrow exceptions for licensed premises and permitted special events.

A person may not consume alcoholic beverages, or possess an open container, to include any bottle, can or other receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverages, upon streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, stairways, thoroughfares, or other public property in an area within the City, nor in or upon the parking areas of private shopping centers, hotels, motels, licensed liquor establishments, restaurants, clubs, religious institutions, or similar establishments, unless such areas have been designated as part of an on-sale licensed premise, or granted a special event permit.

Source: Fargo Police DepartmentView official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo Municipal Code § 10-0327 bars drinking alcohol or holding any open bottle, can, or receptacle containing alcohol on streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, stairways, thoroughfares, or other public property citywide. The same ban reaches private parking lots at shopping centers, hotels, motels, bars, restaurants, clubs, and religious institutions unless the area is part of an on-sale licensed premise or covered by a special event permit. Section 25-1509.1 cross-references the identical prohibition for city- and state-owned property, and a violation there is treated as a violation of § 10-0327.

Violations & Fines

Fargo police cite under § 10-0327, an infraction under § 1-0305(B) punishable by a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink on a Fargo sidewalk patio?
Only if the area is designated part of an on-sale licensed premise or covered by a special event permit: otherwise open containers and drinking are banned on public property citywide.
Does the ban reach private parking lots?
Yes: parking areas of shopping centers, hotels, motels, bars, restaurants, clubs, and religious institutions are covered unless licensed for on-sale or under a special event permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPublic UrinationSome RestrictionsJaywalkingSome RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsPublic Marijuana UseHeavy RestrictionsLoud Party OrdinanceSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Fargo rules

Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota public conduct overview

Get notified when Public Alcohol Use in Fargo, ND changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.