Sandy, UT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Sandy's alcoholic beverage chapter, Title 15 Chapter 2, addresses public consumption in two adjoining sections. Section 15-2-29, titled City Park Restrictions, flatly states it is unlawful for any person to consume beer or liquor upon the premises of any park owned or operated by Sandy City, with no exception built into the section for special events unless a licensed single event or temporary beer event permit and Local Consent has been separately approved under Section 15-2-7. Section 15-2-30, Consumption Prohibited In Unlicensed Premises, extends the ban citywide: it is unlawful to consume any alcoholic beverage in any public place that has not been provided with the necessary licenses and permits required by the alcoholic beverage chapter and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.

Together the two sections mean an open container of beer, wine, or liquor is illegal on a public sidewalk, street, parking lot, or park unless that specific location and event holds City-issued alcohol permits, such as a single event permit, temporary beer event permit, or a licensed on-premises establishment's designated area. Event organizers who want alcohol service at a park facility or festival must first secure a single event or temporary beer event permit with Local Consent under Section 15-2-7, which confines sale and consumption to a Community Development Director-approved Alcohol Consumption Area, and file the completed application and fees with the License Official at least 15 working days before the event.

Section 15-2-32 sets the penalty for any violation of the alcohol chapter, including Sections 15-2-29 and 15-2-30, as a class B misdemeanor, and Section 15-2-31 gives the Sandy Police Department, along with code enforcement, fire, planning, building and safety officials, and the License Official, authority to inspect licensed or applicant premises with or without prior notice.