Hamilton County, IN Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 35-48-1-1 of the Hamilton County Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 06-24-24-B on July 8, 2024, prohibits possessing or consuming alcohol on "county property" without express approval from the Board of Commissioners of Hamilton County. The ordinance defines county property expansively: it covers the county government and judicial center, the county courthouse, the parks and recreation department offices, buildings on the county 4-H grounds, the sheriff's offices, the enclosed county highway department buildings, the health department building, the soil and water conservation/weights and measures building, the household hazardous waste building and the humane society building, plus all land, sidewalks, streets or public places surrounding those structures.

"Person" is defined to mean any man, woman or child regardless of age, meaning the alcohol ban applies to everyone on the listed properties, not just visitors to the buildings themselves. A first offense is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100. A second or subsequent offense within the same enforcement history draws a fine of up to $500. Citations may be issued by any member of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, and the Hamilton County Superior Courts hold venue and jurisdiction to enforce the section.

Because the ordinance allows the Board of Commissioners to grant express approval, county-sanctioned events at these locations, such as 4-H fair functions with a permitted beer garden, can lawfully serve alcohol when the board signs off in advance.