Ridgefield, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Article I of Chapter 116 defines 'public place' as all Town-controlled highways and sidewalks plus Town-owned property except property leased for private purposes, and defines 'quasi-public place' as parking areas within Town limits meeting the 10-or-more-car threshold in Connecticut General Statutes § 14-212, under § 116-1. Section 116-2 then prohibits consuming, or possessing with intent to consume, alcoholic liquor in either kind of place, expressly including inside a parked motor vehicle. Section 116-3 carves out an exception: a person may possess and consume alcohol without violating § 116-2 if the First Selectman has issued a written permit, granted only if it would not be detrimental to public safety, health or welfare and, for quasi-public property, only after the property's owner or controller has been notified and raises no objection.

The application, filed with the Town Clerk under § 116-4, must state the location, scheduled time and duration, estimated participants, and the applicant's contact information. A permit under § 116-5 can run no more than 24 hours except for a prescheduled recurring event, and the First Selectman must grant or deny an application within two business days, with denials appealable in writing to the Board of Selectmen, which must hold a hearing within 14 days, under § 116-6. Article II separately bars anyone under 21 from possessing open or closed alcohol containers in Town except with a parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 21, and bars hosting a gathering where a minor drinks without that supervision, under §§ 116-9 and 116-10.