Placentia, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 10.28.010 of the Placentia Municipal Code, Drinking in public, provides that no person shall drink any alcoholic liquor on any street, alley, sidewalk or parkway or any park, railway depot or other place open to the public or in any automobile within the city. The phrase "in any automobile" means a driver or passenger cannot drink inside a vehicle in the City of Placentia even when it is parked.

Two exceptions are printed. The section does not apply to any premises holding an on-sale liquor license from the state. It also does not apply to a special event permit issued pursuant to Chapter 14.18 of the code that permits alcohol use during the special event, so the permit itself must authorize alcohol. The history note shows the section was most recently amended by Ordinance O-2025-03 on May 6, 2025, and carries forward prior code § 18-12.

The rest of Chapter 10.28, Intoxication, adds neighboring rules. Section 10.28.020 prohibits being in an intoxicated or drunken condition upon or within a common carrier of passengers, any other vehicle, or any public or private property. Section 10.28.030 prohibits being or appearing in an intoxicated or drunken condition in any public place, place open to public view, street, alley, sidewalk or parkway. Section 10.28.040 reaches private premises when drunkenness is to the annoyance of any other person.

Other chapters print their own alcohol limits: § 10.26.230 prohibits the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises where licensed bingo games operate, and § 6.52.210 makes it unlawful to sell or make available or consume alcoholic beverages at a public dance for persons 18 years of age or less. The Placentia Police Department enforces these provisions.