La Habra, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Chapter 9.08, adopted originally by Ord. 81 in 1934 and amended in 1974 and 1989, defines 'intoxicating liquor' broadly in § 9.08.010 to include any spirituous, vinous, malt or fermented liquid or compound containing one-half of one percent or more alcohol by volume that is fit for beverage use. Section 9.08.020 separately makes it unlawful to drink, dispense or partake of an alcoholic beverage in any store, wholesale house or merchandising establishment, or any other public place, except where expressly allowed by law, or in a private place without the owner's or occupant's consent.

Section 9.08.030 then singles out the public right-of-way: drinking or partaking of intoxicating liquor on the sidewalks, streets, alleys or public thoroughfares of the City of La Habra is both unlawful and declared a nuisance in its own right. The chapter carves out one path for lawful public drinking: § 9.08.040 lets the city council, or its designated hearing officer, approve an application to consume or sell alcoholic beverages at a city facility, provided the applicant supplies a temporary Alcoholic Beverage Control license where required and signs an agreement holding the city harmless from claims tied to the event.