Kern County, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Kern County Code § 13.04.092
- Parks covered
- Lamont, Virginia Ave, Heritage, Lost Hills, Rexland Acres
- First-offense fine
- Up to $50
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Exception
- Special event alcohol permit
Summary
Kern County bans selling or drinking alcohol, or carrying an opened alcoholic beverage container, at Lamont Park, Virginia Avenue Park, Heritage Park, Lost Hills Park, and Rexland Acres Park unless a special-event alcohol permit is on file. First-time violators face up to a $50 fine, rising to $250 for repeat violations within a year.
Any sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of any can, bottle, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage which has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed is prohibited in Lamont Park, Virginia Avenue Park, Heritage Park, Lost Hills Park, or Rexland Acres Park; provided, however, that sales, consumption of such beverages, or possession of open containers may be permitted during special events pursuant to an alcoholic beverage permit issued by the director. Violation of this section is an infraction and punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first violation; a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a second violation of the same ordinance within one (1) year; a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
092 prohibits "any sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of any can, bottle, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage which has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed" at five named county parks: Lamont Park, Virginia Avenue Park, Heritage Park, Lost Hills Park, and Rexland Acres Park. 094 for sales permits. 091, which likewise bars unpermitted sale or consumption of alcohol but allows a group of up to fifteen people to drink within fifty feet of a campsite table if they hold a valid camping permit, treating the camping permit as a substitute for an alcohol permit.
Fines escalate for repeat conduct at the five named parks: up to $50 for a first violation, up to $100 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year, and up to $250 for each additional violation within that year, a graduated schedule the county added through amendments in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2018.
Violations & Fines
Selling, drinking, or possessing an open container of alcohol at Lamont Park, Virginia Avenue Park, Heritage Park, Lost Hills Park, or Rexland Acres Park without a special-event alcohol permit is an infraction under Section 13.04.092, fined up to $50 for a first offense, up to $100 for a second offense within a year, and up to $250 for each additional offense within that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink an open beer at Rexland Acres Park?
What is the fine for an open container violation at these parks?
Is the Kern River County Park covered by the same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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