Pasco, WA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- No open liquor in City parks without a permit
- Permit issuer
- Administrative and Community Services Director
- Rent surcharge
- 50% higher than standard rental fee
- Required proof
- State banquet permit and liquor liability insurance
- Penalty
- Class 3 civil infraction
Summary
Pasco makes it unlawful to open, possess, display, or consume liquor in any City park or recreation building without a current rental permit under PMC 9.40.020. Getting that permit means a state banquet permit, liability insurance, a cleanup deposit, and 50 percent higher rent, and violating the ban is a Class 3 civil infraction.
It is unlawful to open a package containing liquor, or to possess or display an open container of liquor or to consume liquor in any City park or recreation buildings, facility or structures within the City without a current rental permit issued by the City. ... (a) The applicant must produce evidence that he has a banquet permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board; (b) Payment of rent in an amount 50 percent higher than the regular rental fee; ... (2) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 civil infraction and subject to the penalties imposed thereon by law.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
" The permit comes from the Administrative and Community Services Director or a designee, and the ordinance lists specific conditions the applicant must meet: proof of a banquet permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, rent set 50 percent higher than the standard rental fee, a cleanup and damages deposit sized by the Director, a liability insurance policy that includes liquor liability coverage (or an equivalent surety bond), written confirmation from the Chief of Police that adequate police, security, and traffic control has been arranged, and compliance with applicable fire codes.
The applicant must also affirm the event is by invitation to named individuals or organization members rather than a general public invitation, though the City Council can waive that condition by resolution for special circumstances. 430. Together the chapter gives Pasco Parks and the Police Department a permit gate for any alcohol use on park property rather than a blanket ban, but the default rule for anyone without a permit is a flat prohibition on open containers and consumption.
Violations & Fines
PMC 9.40.020(2) states plainly: "Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 civil infraction and subject to the penalties imposed thereon by law." Separately, PMC 9.40.010 adopts RCW Title 66's alcohol penalties, including RCW 66.44.180, for any violation of the state liquor control law that is enforceable through the City, so conduct going beyond an unpermitted open container in a park (such as furnishing liquor to a minor) can expose a person to state-law penalties on top of the civil infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol at a Pasco city park?
What happens if I'm caught with an open container in a Pasco park without a permit?
Does the park alcohol permit cost more than a regular rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
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