Southampton, NY Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Town Code § 89-4 bars anyone from consuming, ingesting or taking internally any alcoholic beverage, or possessing an open container with intent to consume it, in a public place within the Town of Southampton outside the incorporated villages. The only exceptions are premises licensed by the State Liquor Authority or spots where the Town Board has given permission. "Public place" under § 89-3 covers public highways, parking lots and shopping-center lots as defined in the state Vehicle and Traffic Law, plus parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, buildings, beaches and transportation facilities matching Penal Law § 240.00's definition.

Homes used by their lawful occupants and guests are carved out. School premises can also be designated public places by the school board through a filed and published resolution, effective 10 days after publication. The Town Board's own findings, recorded at § 89-2, explain the rationale: consumption on public streets and ways by drivers, passengers and pedestrians had increased alarmingly, endangering other road users and littering adjacent private property with alcohol containers. The chapter, titled "Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages," does not touch the manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol, only public consumption and possession of an open container.