Stafford Township, NJ Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Article II of Chapter 57, adopted 11-12-1996 as Ord. No. 96-79, sets four separate rules. Section 57-12 bars drinking, imbibing or consuming alcohol on a public street, lane, roadway, avenue, sidewalk, public parking place, park, playground, recreation area or any other public or quasi-public place, and on a public conveyance. It also covers a private motor vehicle while the vehicle is in motion or parked on a public street, lane, public parking lot or public or quasi-public place. Subsection D adds private property that is not the drinker's own, unless the owner or another person with authority gives express permission.

Section 57-13 reaches any place to which the public at large is invited. Consuming alcohol there, or offering a drink to another person for consumption, is prohibited, and possessing alcohol there is prohibited unless it is in a closed or sealed container. Both subsections carve out the licensed premises of a plenary retail consumption liquor license, so a bar or restaurant holding that license is not caught.

Section 57-14 is the open container rule for outdoor public space. Possession on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, park or playground, or on any land or building owned or occupied by the Township government, is prohibited unless the beverage is in a closed or sealed container.

Section 57-15 lets the Mayor and Council of the Township permit possession or consumption in a designated park, recreation area or other public place at designated times for a special event, series of events or observance the governing body has authorized. The permission comes by resolution, and the event must still comply with any applicable ordinances, laws or regulations.

Separately, Article III (Ord. No. 2000-57) punishes a person under the legal age who knowingly possesses or consumes alcohol on private property with a fine of $250 for a first offense and $350 for any subsequent offense. The court can also suspend or postpone the driving privilege for six months. Religious observances, and consumption in the presence and with the permission of a parent, guardian or relative who has reached the legal age, are excepted.