Murfreesboro, TN Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered areas
- Streets, sidewalks, parks, school grounds
- Exception
- Sidewalk cafe or special event permit
- Applies to
- Individuals and retail alcohol sellers
- Penalty basis
- City Code § 1-8 civil offense
Summary
Murfreesboro bans open containers of beer, wine, or other alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and school grounds unless a City or state permit specifically authorizes it.
It shall be unlawful for any person to serve, possess or consume beer, wine or other alcoholic beverage in any open container in or on any public street, sidewalk, right of way, park, school ground, or other public place or property unless said service, possession or consumption is specifically authorized by a permit or license issued by the City or State. These include but are not limited to licenses for sidewalk cafes and Special Event permits.(B)No business engaged in the retail sale of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage, whether for on- or off-premises consumption, shall permit a customer to exit the business's premises with an open container of beer onto any public street, sidewalk, right of way, park, school ground, or other public place or property unless such possession or consumption of beer is specifically authorized by a permit or license issued by the City or State. (Ord. No. 16-O-17 § 13, 05-12-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
It is unlawful to serve, possess, or consume beer, wine, or other alcohol in an open container on any public street, sidewalk, right of way, park, school ground, or other public place, absent a City or state permit such as a sidewalk cafe license or special event permit. Retailers selling beer or other alcohol for on- or off-premises consumption may not let a customer leave the premises with an open container into a public place without that same authorization.
Violations & Fines
Violation is punished under City Code § 1-8; businesses that let customers exit with open containers into unauthorized public areas face the same penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an open beer on a Murfreesboro sidewalk?
Can a bar let customers walk out with drinks in Murfreesboro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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