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Grant County, WA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: GCC 8.40.030, Alcohol ban
Where it applies: Moses Lake & Beverly Sand Dunes Areas only
First offense: $100 civil penalty
Second offense: $250 civil penalty
Third+ offense: $500 civil penalty
Hearings: Grant County District Court, Ch. 7.08 RCW
Effective date: May 1, 2005

Summary

Grant County Code 8.40.030 bans using, possessing or consuming alcohol at any time in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes Area and the Beverly Sand Dunes Area, two off-road-vehicle recreation zones in unincorporated Grant County. It is a stricter, area-specific rule adopted to curb alcohol-fueled incidents among the crowds using those dunes.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Grant County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

8.40.030 - Alcohol use, possession and/or consumption prohibited. No person shall use, possess and/or consume alcohol, or participate in the use, possession and/or consumption of alcohol, at any time, in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes Area and/or the Beverly Sand Dunes Area.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020 as the off-road-vehicle recreation area near Moses Lake, and the Beverly Sand Dunes Area. 020 to include alcohol contained within a vehicle, tent or other structure controlled by the person. and Ord. 05-218-CC and 05-231-CC, to address what its findings describe as the dangerous combination of alcohol, unregulated sand camping and large numbers of people running off-road motorized equipment in the dunes. 08 RCW, with hearings held in Grant County District Court. 050. 070. Outside these two mapped dune areas, unincorporated Grant County has no general open-container or public-consumption ban of its own; alcohol use elsewhere on county land is governed by state law.

Violations & Fines

GCC 8.40.050 sets a rising civil penalty schedule: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense in either sand dunes area. Notices of infraction and hearings follow Chapter 7.08 RCW procedure in Grant County District Court under GCC 8.40.040.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes?

No. GCC 8.40.030 makes it unlawful to use, possess or consume alcohol at any time in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes Area or the Beverly Sand Dunes Area, regardless of the hour.

What counts as possession under this ban?

GCC 8.40.020 defines possession broadly to include alcohol contained in a vehicle, tent or other structure controlled by the person, not just an open container in hand.

What's the fine for a first violation?

GCC 8.40.050 sets a $100 civil penalty for a first offense, rising to $250 for a second and $500 for a third or later offense.

Does the alcohol ban apply everywhere in unincorporated Grant County?

No. GCC 8.40.030 only reaches the mapped Moses Lake Sand Dunes and Beverly Sand Dunes recreation areas; the county has no separate countywide open-container ordinance for other unincorporated land.

Sources & Official References

[1]GCC § 8.40.030, Municode

Other rules in Grant County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Grant County rules

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