Kenosha, WI Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Kenosha's alcohol licensing chapter treats public consumption as illegal in two ways. b requires every licensed drive-through liquor window to post signs telling patrons 'it is illegal for the purchaser of alcohol beverages to consume alcohol beverages or maintain alcohol in opened packages, on public thoroughfares or in the parking lot of the licensed establishments,' codifying the underlying public open-container prohibition into the signage requirement itself. H bars intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages from being consumed by patrons or others outside of licensed Class 'B' and/or 'Class B' premises as described in the license application, and makes it unlawful for a license holder to permit that off-premises consumption.

074 lets the Common Council approve a time-limited 'Outdoor Open Container Entertainment Event' in a defined public area, where patrons may possess and consume fermented malt beverages or wine purchased from a licensed premises in a printed 16-ounce open cup, subject to a $150 application fee, security plan, and $1,000,000/$2,000,000 liability insurance. m. 074 carries a forfeiture of $200 to $500 plus costs, or up to 90 days in the County Jail for nonpayment of the forfeiture.