Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on Nashville public streets and sidewalks except within designated entertainment districts and special-event boundaries, with Lower Broadway honky-tonks held to strict door-control rules.
Metro Code Title 7 and TCA 57-5-301 prohibit possession or consumption of open alcoholic beverages on public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and parks within Davidson County, with violations punishable as a Class C misdemeanor. Lower Broadway honky-tonks like Tootsie's, Robert's Western World, and Legends Corner must keep alcohol inside the licensed premises and may not allow patrons to wander onto the sidewalk with drinks. Limited entertainment districts and Metro-permitted special events (CMA Awards Fan Fair, July 4 fireworks, Music City Bowl) may suspend the open-container rule within barricaded boundaries. Pedal taverns and party buses operate under separate TCA 57-3-207 carrier rules with bring-your-own-beer permitted but no liquor.
Open container in public is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $50 plus court costs and up to 30 days jail. Honky-tonks allowing drinks off-premises face TABC license suspension and Metro Beer Board penalties up to $1,000.
See how Nashville's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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