Warwick, RI Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 40-22 makes it unlawful for any person to possess, consume from and/or transport any open container containing alcoholic beverages on any public street, public sidewalk or public way in Warwick. The ordinance carves out exactly one exception: events or festivals duly licensed by the city where the license itself expressly permits possession, consumption and/or transportation of alcohol, and even then only to the extent and on the terms the license specifies. Outside a licensed event, there is no daytime or nighttime carve-out and no distinction for beer versus liquor; any open container on a public street, sidewalk or way is covered. The section traces to Code 1971, § 13-29, and cross-references § 58-10, which separately governs possession or consumption of alcoholic liquors at the city's public recreation facilities, meaning parks and recreation areas are addressed by a distinct provision rather than this street-and-sidewalk rule.