Sandy Springs, GA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Code Sec. 38-139 has two parts. Subsection (a) bars opening or consuming any alcoholic beverage within 100 feet of a retail package store, or within the boundary lines of the property on which that store sits, whichever distance is greater, so the buffer can extend beyond the flat 100 feet on a large parcel. Subsection (b) is the general open-container rule: it is unlawful to drink any vinous, malt or other alcoholic beverage on city streets, sidewalks, alleyways, parking areas or other open areas the city operates and controls, or on the grounds of any MARTA station.

Notably, subsection (b)(1) expressly states this drinking-in-public rule does not apply to parks, so a separate parks ordinance, not this section, governs alcohol in city green space. Two exceptions follow: gatherings or activities covered by a valid city event permit are exempt from the public-drinking ban, subject to whatever conditions the permit attaches, and a licensed sidewalk cafe operator may serve alcohol for consumption within its outdoor dining area, so long as open containers are only carried in or out by the licensee's own working employees performing their job duties, not by patrons. The section traces to a 2005 ordinance adopted the year the city incorporated and was amended in 2009.