Tacoma, WA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 8.20.050
- Penalty
- $100 civil infraction
- Applies to
- open or opened liquor package
- Public place includes
- streets, parks, transit stops
Summary
Opening or possessing an opened container of liquor, or drinking it, in any Tacoma public place is a civil infraction carrying a flat $100 fine under city law.
Except as permitted by the Washington State Liquor Act, no person in a public place shall open a package containing liquor, possess an opened package containing liquor, or consume liquor. Every person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction and shall be fined not more than $100, which includes all statutory assessments. Whenever any person is stopped for a violation of this section, the officer may detain that person for a reasonable period of time necessary to identify the person and check for outstanding warrants. (Ord. 11075 § 5, 1934-07-18; Ord. 22986 § 1, 1983-08-23; Ord. 26010 § 1, 1997-01-14; Ord. 26679 § 1, 2000-08-22)
Full Breakdown
TMC § 8.20.050 bars opening a package containing liquor, possessing an already-opened package, or consuming liquor in a 'public place': a term the code defines broadly to include streets, parks, transit stops, and any business area the public may freely enter. A violation is a civil infraction, not a criminal charge, capped at a $100 fine that already includes statutory assessments. Officers may detain a violator for a reasonable period to confirm identity and check for outstanding warrants before issuing the citation.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction with a flat $100 fine, inclusive of statutory assessments, under TMC § 8.20.050; no jail time attaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink a beer on a Tacoma sidewalk?
Is public drinking a criminal offense in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle public alcohol use.