West Haven, CT Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Article II of Chapter 73 of the West Haven Code, adopted by the City Council on 6-14-1982 as Ord. No. 182, bans consumption of alcohol in public places in the City of West Haven, Connecticut. Section 73-8 was amended 9-9-1985 by Ord. No. 230 to reach Housing Authority property.

The definitions in § 73-7 set the reach. "Possession with intent to consume" means having in one's possession or control alcoholic liquor in a glass, open bottle, open can or other open container so as to permit consumption. "Public highways" means all public highways within and under the control of the City of West Haven, and it also includes the sidewalks and the grounds and common areas of the West Haven Housing Authority. "Alcoholic liquor" takes the meaning in the Connecticut Liquor Control Act, and "motor vehicle" takes the meaning in Section 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Section 73-8 bars anyone from consuming, or possessing with intent to consume, alcoholic liquor within the limits of those public highways, sidewalks and Housing Authority grounds. Possession with intent to consume in a motor vehicle parked on those premises is also deemed a violation.

Section 73-9 lists three exceptions and limits. First, persons can possess and consume alcohol during a public function, festival or celebration, but only after the Chief of Police or his or her designee has given written authorization for the sale, service or distribution of alcoholic liquor at or in connection with the event. Second, a group of six or less is not in violation if at least one member owns or leases real property within 15 feet adjacent to the public highway or sidewalk. Third, consumption or possession with intent to consume is never permitted in motor vehicles.

City land run by the Department of Parks and Recreation has its own alcohol bans. Possession or consumption is prohibited in beach parking areas (§ 170-9), and on beaches (§ 170-16) and in parks and recreation areas (§ 170-26) unless the Department gives prior written consent. Package store hours are a separate article of Chapter 73.