Lodi, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

010 states flatly that no person shall drink or have in his possession an open container of any alcoholic beverage in the public right-of-way. The prohibition does not stop at the curb: it also bars drinking or possessing an open container within fifty feet of any public right-of-way while on private property open to public view, unless the property owner, agent or lawful occupant has given express permission. Three exceptions exist. First, in the delineated downtown area, alcohol sale and consumption in the right-of-way is allowed for an event sponsored by the Downtown Lodi Partnership, provided the event carries a state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license and the city manager's written approval.

04, are excluded. Third, subsection C allows alcohol sale, possession or consumption on the public right-of-way if the operator holds a valid public works right-of-way encroachment permit, the area is adjacent to and operated as part of a bona fide eating establishment licensed by the state for alcohol sales, and the space is completely enclosed by a fence or barrier at least three feet high with no direct public access except emergency exits. This lets licensed restaurants run fenced sidewalk beer gardens while keeping the default rule against open containers on Lodi streets and sidewalks intact for everyone else.