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Gresham, OR Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

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

Key Facts

Ban
Open alcohol in any public place
Exception
OLCC-licensed premises
Exception
Permitted special events
Offense class
Class B misdemeanor
Max fine
$1,000

Summary

Gresham prohibits drinking or carrying an open container of alcohol in any public place unless the location is licensed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

(1) No person shall drink an alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a public place or upon premises open to the public unless the premises are licensed for that purpose by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

(2) Special events that are authorized under this code and for which event permits have been properly issued by the City of Gresham and/or the Oregon Liquor Control Commission are not prohibited under GRC 7.10.120.

(3) Violation of any provision of this section is a Class B misdemeanor and, in addition to the remedies authorized for misdemeanors, a violation may be subject to a fine or penalty in the maximum amount of $1,000. (Ord. No. 1700, Amended, 03/03/2011; Ord. No. 1624, Amended, 04/20/2006; Ord. No. 1507, Amended, 10/19/2000; Ord. No. 1268, Amended, 12/17/1992)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

GRC 7.10.120 makes it unlawful to drink an alcoholic beverage or possess an open container in a public place or on premises open to the public unless the premises hold an OLCC license for that purpose. The ban does not apply to city-authorized special events with properly issued event permits from the city and/or OLCC. A violation is a Class B misdemeanor.

Violations & Fines

Public drinking or carrying an open container outside a licensed premises or permitted special event is a Class B misdemeanor under GRC 7.10.120, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 in addition to misdemeanor remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink a beer in a Gresham park?
No, unless the park hosts a city- and OLCC-permitted special event; GRC 7.10.120 otherwise bans open containers and drinking in public places.
Is public drinking a serious charge in Gresham?
Yes, it is a Class B misdemeanor that can carry a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.10.120(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Gresham

All Gresham rules

Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon public conduct overview

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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Multnomah County handle public alcohol use.

Portland, OR
Significant Restrictions