Waukesha, WI Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Section 11.27(1) makes it unlawful to possess, have on their person, or have in a motor vehicle operated by them, any intoxicating liquor, wine, or fermented malt beverage except in the original package with the seal unbroken or closed with a tamper-evident seal, on any public right-of-way, street, sidewalk, parking lot, path, or City building grounds, on privately-owned parking lots and driveways used by the public without the owner's authorization, and on the grounds of the Waukesha School District, private schools, churches, hospitals, or other institutions open to the public, unless the owner expressly allows it.

Parks get a stricter rule under subsection (2): any wine or fermented malt beverage is banned in city parks regardless of whether it is in a sealed container or not, unless a Parks, Recreation and Forestry picnic or special-gathering permit covers it, or a temporary Class B license or state Full Service Retail permit is in effect for the area; intoxicating liquors other than wine are prohibited in parks at all times, sealed or not. The ordinance carves out narrow exceptions for permitted Block Parties under § 6.185 and for Special Events inside a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, the Downtown DORA along the Fox River and Barstow Street, and the Williams Street DORA, where open beverages from a DORA Participant bar are allowed in approved cups between noon and 8:30 p.m. weeknights, noon and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon and 6 p.m. Sunday, provided carry-ins and glass containers are excluded. Class A and B licensees must also make reasonable efforts to keep patrons from carrying open drinks off their premises.