Manchester, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 106-3 defines an open container broadly: any open bottle, any bottle whose liquor tax stamp seal has been broken, any opened can, any keg or dispensing device set up to dispense, or any glass, cup, jar or other vessel. Section 106-4 then bans both consuming alcoholic liquor and simply possessing an open container on or within the limits of any public highway (including its sidewalks), any public area such as a park, plaza, mall, arena, stadium or cemetery, and any parking area open to public use, and the section specifically calls out possession inside a parked vehicle in those spaces as a violation.

Section 106-5 carves out an exception for a function, festival, event or celebration held on a public highway, public area or parking area under a law, ordinance, resolution or permit that authorizes selling and drinking liquor there. Section 106-7 exempts three specific premises outright: the Manchester Country Club, Cheney Hall and 901 Main Street. A separate article restricts possession by minors: no one under 21 may possess an open or closed alcohol container in town unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 21, and hosting an event that lets minors drink is also prohibited under Section 106-9.