Paterson, NJ Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Public alcohol
- banned citywide
- Covers
- streets, sidewalks, parks, lots
- Permit
- available under state law
- Fine range
- $100-$2,000
- Article rewritten
- January 18, 2022
Summary
Paterson bans consuming alcohol on any public street, sidewalk, park, parking lot or other public property citywide, at any hour, with only a limited special-permit exception.
No person shall consume alcoholic beverages or cannabis on any of the public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, pathways, playgrounds, parks or quasi-public areas or any other public property whatsoever within the city at any hour of the day or night. A special permit may be issued for alcohol in such areas in accordance with applicable statutes, but not for cannabis as defined herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 113-23 of the Paterson City Code makes it unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages on public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, pathways, playgrounds, parks, quasi-public areas or any other public property in the city, at any hour of the day or night. A special permit can authorize alcohol consumption in such areas under state law, but the same section separately bars any permit for cannabis. The article was adopted in 1979 and rewritten in full on January 18, 2022; violations under § 113-24 carry a fine of $100 to $2,000, or up to 90 days of community service or imprisonment.
Violations & Fines
A first violation risks a fine of $100 to $2,000, plus up to 90 days of community service or jail; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink a beer on a Paterson sidewalk?
What's the penalty for public drinking in Paterson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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