Nashville, TN Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- § 7.24.040
- Max fine
- $50 per violation
- Covers
- streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas
- Exempt
- sealed containers; licensed premises
Summary
Metro Nashville bans carrying an unsealed beer, wine, or liquor container on streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parking areas, with exceptions for enclosed structures and licensed bars or restaurants.
It shall be a violation for any person, while in or on a street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, parking garage or other area generally open to the public, except (1) enclosed structures, (2) premises owned by scientific, religious or educational institutions, or (3) premises specifically permitted or licensed for the on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages or beer; to have in their possession beer, ale, wine or other alcoholic beverage for the purpose of consumption in a glass, aluminum, or metal container unless such container is commercially sealed.B.Possession of beer, ale, wine or other alcoholic beverage in an open container not permitted in subsection A hereof shall be prima facie evidence of having said beverage for the purpose of consumption. (Amdt. 2 to Ord. BL2022-1089 § 22, 2022; Ord. BL2022-1089 § 22, 2022; Ord. BL2021-1011 § 1, 2021; Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2021-911 § 4, 2021; Ord. BL2021-911 § 4, 2021; Ord. 92-322 §§ 1, 2, 1992)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 7.24.040 makes it a violation to possess beer, ale, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage in an open glass, aluminum, or metal container while on a street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, or parking garage, or any other area generally open to the public. The ban does not reach commercially sealed containers, enclosed structures, premises owned by scientific, religious, or educational institutions, or premises licensed for on-premises alcohol consumption, so drinking inside a permitted bar, restaurant, or its licensed patio is unaffected. Possession of an open container in a covered public area is itself prima facie evidence of the violation.
Violations & Fines
A violation is punishable under the general Code penalty, Metropolitan Code of Laws § 1.01.030: up to a $50 fine, with a $50 guilty-plea fine in lieu of a court appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk down a Nashville sidewalk with an open beer?
Does the open-container rule apply inside a bar or restaurant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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