Mount Prospect, IL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Item 16 of Section 23.101(B) sets the open-container rule. A person commits disorderly conduct by possessing an alcoholic beverage in a public street or other public place. Two exceptions are printed: the beverage is in its original container with the seal unbroken, or the possession is on the premises of an establishment holding a valid Village liquor license.

The Code defines public place for this item broadly. It includes, but is not limited to, all Village streets, Village owned parking facilities, all parking lots and common areas serving commercial establishments, and all parking areas and common areas serving multi-family residential structures containing four (4) or more dwelling units. The multi-family part applies only if the owner, manager or owners' association has stated in writing that the ownership intends the prohibition to be applied. That written statement can reserve the right of management to give one day permits for residents or tenants to hold social gatherings in a common area.

Parks are handled by Section 23.102(A)(2): no person shall bring into, sell, give away or drink any alcoholic liquors in any public park, playground or swimming pool. The term alcoholic liquors is defined by Section 13.101 of the Code. That rule has no sealed-container exception in its text.

Section 23.102 also addresses intoxication itself. Subsection A(1) covers a person who appears in a public park, playground or swimming pool manifestly under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or other drug to the degree that he or she endangers self, others or property and fails to cooperate with a police officer in being assisted home or to a treatment or health facility, or annoys or disturbs other persons nearby. Subsection B applies the same standard on any street, alley or other public place in the Village.

The Mount Prospect Police Department enforces these provisions, and Appendix A, Division III lists each at $100.00.