Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Article III of Chapter 83, adopted 12-19-2006 by Ord. No. 2006:28, governs alcohol in public places. Section 83-8A has two operative limbs. The first reaches any person who consumes or offers to another for consumption any alcoholic beverage, or who simply has an open container containing an alcoholic beverage, in or on a public or quasi-public place open to or accessible by the general public. The section lists any public street, lane or sidewalk, public parking lot, playground, park and public building, plus any public conveyance.

The second limb covers private property that is not the drinker's own, where consumption or possession is unlawful without the express permission of the owner or other person having authority to grant it. A former limb reaching a private motor vehicle, Subsection A(2), was repealed 8-18-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:32, and the paragraph now reads as reserved. Section 83-8B exempts any conveyance or place specifically licensed for consumption of alcoholic beverages under N.J.S.A. 33:1-1 et seq. Section 83-9 adds a permit path: the Township can issue permits for possession or consumption on public lands, parks and recreation areas at a designated time or times in connection with a special event, series of events or observance, as described in § 290-10.

Section 290-10 separately limits alcohol in Township parks to group functions sponsored by organizations holding an alcoholic beverage permit, requires nonglass containers such as kegs, cans and coated paper containers, and allows alcoholic beverages only in picnic areas, not on playing fields, playgrounds or tennis courts. Underage possession or consumption on private property is a separate offense under § 83-7.1, with fines of $250 for a first offense and $350 for any subsequent offense.