Madison MGO 38.07 prohibits possession of open alcohol containers on streets, sidewalks, and most public property. Exceptions exist for licensed sidewalk cafes, special-event permit areas, and designated parks.
Madison General Ordinance 38.07 makes it unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages or carry open containers on public streets, sidewalks, or in vehicles. State law (Wis. Stat. 346.935) separately bans open containers in motor vehicles. Madison parks generally allow beer and wine consumption when accompanied by food, with exceptions on State Street and in designated alcohol-free parks. Special events such as Taste of Madison or football tailgating around Camp Randall operate under temporary Class B permits issued by the Alcohol License Review Committee. Enforcement is concentrated downtown and during major events.
First-offense citations typically run $124-$200, with higher penalties for repeat offenses or possession by minors; underage drinking citations carry separate state penalties.
See how Madison's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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