Sammamish, WA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- Alcohol banned in parks, trails, open space
- Exception
- Director-designated locations only
- State compliance
- WA Liquor and Cannabis Board, RCW Title 66
- Intoxication itself
- Separately banned, SMC 7A.05.020
- Underage possession
- Banned, cites RCW 66.04.200
- Penalty
- Criminal misdemeanor
Summary
Alcohol is banned by default across Sammamish parks, trails, and open space. SMC 7A.05.010 makes it unlawful to open, possess, or consume alcohol anywhere in City park areas except locations the director has designated in writing, and violation is a criminal misdemeanor, not just a citation.
It is unlawful to sell, open or possess alcoholic beverages in an open container, or consume any alcoholic beverage in a City of Sammamish open space, trail, park area, park facility or associated marine area except in the following designated areas subject to written approval by the director and under the following conditions: (1) The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permissible at designated indoor and outdoor locations within any City of Sammamish park area; provided, that the activities conform to the requirements of the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board under RCW Title 66, now in effect and as subsequently amended; and (2) The serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be confined to the designated location; and (3) Groups applying for special use permits for activities at which the consumption of alcoholic beverages is intended must meet the requirements of state law with respect to liquor permits as a precondition.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Sammamish's parks alcohol ban is broad by default and narrow by exception. 010 prohibits three separate acts anywhere in City open space, trails, park areas, park facilities, or marine areas: selling, opening, or possessing an open container of alcohol, and consuming any alcoholic beverage, unless the location has been designated by the director in writing. Even in a designated area, the ordinance layers on state law: activities must "conform to the requirements of the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board under RCW Title 66," consumption must stay "confined to the designated location," and any group with a special use permit for an alcohol event must first obtain a state liquor permit and keep it "clearly displayed on site" during the activity.
020 makes it unlawful to be or remain, "or loitering about," in a park area "while in a state of intoxication," regardless of where the alcohol was consumed. 200" in city parks. 03.
Violations & Fines
Possessing an open container, consuming alcohol outside a director-designated area, or being intoxicated in a Sammamish park, trail, open space, or marine area is a criminal misdemeanor under SMC 7A.05.010 and 7A.05.020. Underage possession or consumption is separately unlawful under SMC 7A.05.030, referencing the state definition of intoxicating liquor in RCW 66.04.200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol in a Sammamish park?
Is being drunk in a Sammamish park illegal even without visible alcohol?
Can a permitted event serve alcohol in a Sammamish park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle public alcohol use.