Stratford, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited act
- Consuming or merely possessing an open container on a public way
- Permit issuer
- The Mayor of the Town of Stratford
- Penalty
- Infraction, fine not exceeding $70 (§ 47-7)
- Private lots covered
- Parking lots of 10 cars or more without owner permission
- Parks and beaches
- Possession or drinking banned except picnic areas (§ 152-8)
- Legal drinking age under Chapter 47
- Minor means under 21 years old
Summary
In the Town of Stratford, Connecticut, § 47-4 prohibits consuming or merely possessing an open container of alcohol on any public way without a permit issued by the Mayor. A violation is an infraction with a fine not exceeding $70. Section 152-8 separately bans possessing or drinking alcohol in parks, beaches and athletic areas.
The consumption or the mere possession of any open container of any alcoholic beverage, as defined in § 47-1, in any public way(s), without a permit issued by the Mayor is prohibited. Such permit shall be in possession of the permittee who shall produce this upon demand of any peace officer as defined in C.G.S. § 53a-3(9).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 47 of the Stratford Code, adopted by the Town Council 12-9-2002 by Ord. No. 02-09, makes the consumption or the mere possession of any open container of any alcoholic beverage in any public way prohibited unless the person holds a permit issued by the Mayor. The permittee must have the permit in possession and produce it on demand of any peace officer. Possession alone is enough: a person does not have to be drinking.
The reach of the rule depends on the chapter's definitions in § 47-1. A public way is any property owned, leased, operated or maintained by the Town of Stratford, including public highways, parking lots, sidewalks, alleys and boulevards, and also any parking lot of 10 cars or more without the express permission of the owner. An alcoholic beverage is the same as defined in C.G.S. § 30-1, or any liquid of which the content is more than .05% of alcohol.
Section 47-5 gives the Mayor authority to issue permits to any organization that makes written application for exemption, in a form suitable to the satisfaction of the Mayor, and says nothing in the section conflicts with any permit issued by the authority of the State Liquor Commission. Under § 47-6 the Mayor sets the fee schedule, provided that no non-profit organization is assessed more than the administrative cost to process the application.
Parks and beaches have their own rule. Section 152-8 provides that no person shall possess or drink alcoholic beverages, including the use of beer in kegs, in ballfields, athletic fields, boat-launching ramps, tot-lots, school grounds, the Lordship Sea Wall and all parks and beaches, including parking lots, but excluding areas designated picnic areas. Recreational areas are open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. except as otherwise posted (§ 152-7), and § 152-12 bars becoming intoxicated or playing music so loud it annoys others there. Under § 47-2, no minor under 21 can possess or consume alcohol in the Town unless in the presence of a parent, guardian or non-minor spouse.
Violations & Fines
Section 47-7 makes a violation of the public-way provisions an infraction with a fine not exceeding $70. The same $70 ceiling applies to underage possession or consumption under § 47-3. Any peace officer can demand to see the Mayor's permit, so a person holding an open container on a Stratford sidewalk, street or town parking lot without the permit in hand is exposed to the infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to carry an open beer on a Stratford sidewalk?
How do I get an event permit to serve alcohol on a public way?
Can I drink at a Stratford beach or park?
What is the penalty for open container violations in Stratford, Connecticut?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stratford
Compare Stratford to another location·View the Connecticut public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.