Milwaukee County, WI Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 47.17
- Fine range
- $150–$500
- Applies to
- county parks & parkways
- Exception
- designated area + written permit
- Enforcing agency
- County Parks Dept.
Summary
Milwaukee County bans possessing or bringing alcoholic beverages into any county park or parkway, except in areas the parks department designates with written permission or where a department licensee sells alcohol.
No person may possess alcoholic beverages, or bring into any park or parkway any alcoholic beverages, except in such areas as designated by the county department of parks, recreation and culture, and then only by written permission of the department, and except at such places as beverages are sold by licensee of the department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee County Code § 47.17 makes it unlawful to possess or bring alcoholic beverages into any county park or parkway. The only exceptions are areas the County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture designates for alcohol use, and only with the department's written permission, or locations where a licensee of the department sells alcoholic beverages (such as a park facility or event vendor). This covers the county's park system, not municipal parks run by the county's nineteen cities and villages, which set their own rules. A violation is a forfeiture, not a criminal charge, under the county's park penalty schedule.
Violations & Fines
Possessing or bringing alcohol into a county park or parkway outside a designated, permitted area draws a $150 to $500 forfeiture under the park violation schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring beer or wine to a Milwaukee County park?
What happens if I'm caught with alcohol in a Milwaukee County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin public conduct overview
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