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Lewis County, WA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rule
No alcohol consumption in Lewis County parks
Effective date
January 1, 1994
Fine
$50.00 civil penalty
State cross-reference
RCW 66.44.100
Scope
County parks only, not countywide

Summary

Lewis County Code § 12.05.040 bars drinking alcohol in county parks, effective since January 1, 1994, citing the state's public-place liquor law, RCW 66.44.100. Because the ban sits in the county park use chapter, it reaches Lewis County parks in the unincorporated area rather than every public street or sidewalk countywide.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lewis County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in public areas in accordance with RCW 66.44.100. This element of the chapter will go into effect January 1, 1994. ... Violations of the sections not included in subsection (1) of this section are punishable by civil fine of $50.00 payable to Lewis County and imposed consistent with the provisions of LCC § 1.20.040.

View official code

Full Breakdown

010(15). 100," and the section notes the ban took effect January 1, 1994. Because the rule appears inside the park use chapter rather than a countywide public-consumption ordinance, it governs conduct in Lewis County parks, not on county roads, sidewalks or other public land outside a park. 040. 080 separately makes it unlawful to use park property contrary to posted signs, which the county uses to notify visitors of the alcohol restriction on-site, backing up the written prohibition with signage enforcement.

Violations & Fines

Drinking alcohol in a Lewis County park draws a $50.00 civil fine under § 12.05.160(2), issued the same way as other park-use citations and payable to the county under the enforcement procedure in § 1.20.040. The restriction covers county park property only; it is not a countywide open-container ordinance for streets or sidewalks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol in a Lewis County park?
No. Lewis County Code § 12.05.040 bans consuming alcohol in county parks, referencing the state public-place drinking law at RCW 66.44.100. The restriction has been in effect since January 1, 1994, and applies to every Lewis County park covered by Chapter 12.05.
Does this rule cover drinking on county roads or sidewalks?
No. Section 12.05.040 sits inside Chapter 12.05, the county's park use chapter, so it only reaches Lewis County park property. Lewis County has not adopted a separate open-container ordinance for public roads, sidewalks or other public land outside its parks.
What is the penalty for drinking in a county park?
A $50.00 civil fine, issued under § 12.05.160(2) and collected through the general park-use enforcement procedure in § 1.20.040, since the alcohol section is not one of the sections carrying a criminal penalty under § 12.05.160(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lewis County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Lewis County rules

Compare Lewis County to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview

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