Tacoma generally prohibits open containers and consumption of alcohol on public sidewalks, streets, and parks unless the area is part of a licensed Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board event or a designated alcohol-impact area exception.
Under Washington liquor law and Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 8, possession of an open alcohol container or drinking on public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, or parks is a misdemeanor unless authorized by a Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board permit. Designated festivals like Tacoma Brewfest secure beer-garden permits that fence licensed areas. Tacoma has used Alcohol Impact Areas around several neighborhoods to restrict sales of high-alcohol fortified products. Drivers must keep alcohol unopened and outside the passenger compartment under RCW 46.61.519.
Carrying an open container in public, drinking in a Tacoma park without a permit, or driving with an open container can lead to misdemeanor citations, fines, and possible alcohol seizure.
See how Tacoma's public alcohol use rules stack up against other locations.
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