Union City, CA Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Union City Municipal Code § 9.38.020 makes it unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages on any street, sidewalk, passageway open to public use, park, playground, or community house, or on any other public or private property that is open and accessible to the general public or open to public view: the only carve-out is a private residence. A companion section, § 9.38.010, separately bars drinking on any unlicensed premises open to the public. The Police Chief can authorize an exception: § 9.38.030 lets the Chief issue a permit allowing consumption within a defined geographic boundary, on an application filed at least thirty days ahead.