Plano, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

City Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-6 makes it unlawful to consume an alcoholic beverage in any public or commercial parking area, a private multi-tenant residential parking area, or any public street, alley or sidewalk within Plano's city limits. The rule reaches beyond classic "open container in public" scenarios to cover apartment complex parking lots and shared commercial lots, which is broader than many neighboring cities. Two exceptions apply: drinking on property permitted or licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to serve alcohol, and drinking on property holding a Special Event permit issued under Chapter 11, Article VIII of the Plano Code of Ordinances, but only where that permit specifically authorizes alcohol service.

Enforcement runs through the Plano Police Department. Under subsection (b), the chief of police, any city police officer, or any peace officer within city limits may arrest a violator without a warrant, using the same measures available for an arrest under warrant, and must promptly take the arrested person before the nearest available magistrate. Subsection (c) makes a violation a misdemeanor, punishable under section 1-4(b) of the Code of Ordinances, which sets Plano's general penalty ceiling. The section's title was changed by Ordinance No. 2009-5-7 from "Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public streets, alleys or sidewalks" to "Consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places," reflecting the broadened scope to parking areas. The ordinance traces back to Ord. No. 68-8-1 (1968) and was most recently amended by Ord. No. 2009-5-7 (May 11, 2009).