LA County Code Title 13.36.050 prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in unincorporated parks, beaches, parking lots, and public streets without a permit. California Business and Professions Code Section 25620 also makes possessing an open container in any public place a statewide infraction enforced by LASD.
Two layers govern public drinking in LA County. State law at Business and Professions Code 25620 prohibits possession of an open container of alcohol in any public place or any place open to public view, including streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. LA County Code Title 13.36.050 separately bans alcohol consumption and possession in county parks, beaches, harbors, and public rights-of-way without a permit. Beaches and Harbors and Parks and Recreation can issue limited event permits for picnic areas and special events. The Sheriff and park rangers enforce. Many incorporated cities have additional open-container ordinances, especially near beaches, sports venues, and downtown districts.
Violations are infractions starting around $100 to $250 under BPC 25620 and LACO Title 13.36, plus court fees. Conduct involving public intoxication or driving under the influence escalates to misdemeanor charges under Penal Code 647(f) or Vehicle Code 23152.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle public alcohol use.
See how Santa Monica's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.