Fort Smith, AR Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Cup size limit
- 16 fl oz max
- Container material
- Plastic or paper only
- Possession limit
- One drink at a time
- Where allowed
- Only inside activated district
Summary
Fort Smith bars open alcohol containers on public rights-of-way except inside an activated entertainment district, where drinks must be in a 16-ounce cup with no glass, bottles, or cans.
(5)All alcoholic beverages sold as allowable for consumption on public rights-of-way within the temporary entertainment district shall be in a plastic cup, no larger than 16 fluid ounces in size, on which the name, date and logo of the event or sponsoring establishment has been commercially or professionally printed;(6)No alcoholic beverages in bottles, glass, or cans are permitted for sale or consumption on the public rights-of-way;(7)No person shall be in possession of more than one alcoholic beverage container at any time;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Alcohol may only be carried onto Fort Smith public rights-of-way inside a designated entertainment district while it is activated by a special event or standing city ordinance. Beverages sold by a licensed establishment for consumption in the district must be served in a plastic or paper cup no larger than 16 fluid ounces, printed with the sponsoring establishment's or district's name or logo. Glass bottles and cans are prohibited outright, and no one may hold more than one alcoholic beverage container at a time. The rule covers the Downtown, Chaffee Crossing, and HUB at Providence entertainment districts, and does not override state or local laws against public intoxication.
Violations & Fines
Carrying alcohol in glass, a bottle, a can, or more than one open container at a time on the right-of-way is a citable violation enforced by police within the entertainment district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk around downtown Fort Smith with a drink?
Is there a citywide open container ban in Fort Smith?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
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