Tulare County, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 2-05-1280(a) lets the Board of Supervisors, acting under Business and Professions Code section 25620, adopt a resolution declaring a County Park or Recreation Area an 'Alcohol Free Park or Recreation Area' once the General Services Department director reports that alcohol consumption there has required County personnel to summon law enforcement. Subsection (b) then bars consuming any alcoholic beverage in a designated Alcohol Free park, and subsection (c) separately bars possessing a can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcohol that has been opened, had its seal broken, or had its contents partially removed.

Subsection (d) requires the county to post notice at every common entry point and at least every 300 feet along any street-adjacent boundary, quoting the required text that references section 2-05-1280 and the specific resolution number. Section 2-05-1275 defines 'alcoholic beverage' as any liquid or solid containing one-half of one percent or more alcohol by volume that is fit for beverage use, alone or diluted. Section 2-05-1285 allows organized groups to sell alcohol within a park to members or guests through scrip or tickets, but bars any sale in a park that has been designated Alcohol Free.

Section 2-05-1290 clarifies that sections 2-05-1280 and 2-05-1285 do not excuse conduct already made punishable under state statute, so state open-container and public-intoxication law still applies on top of this county rule.