Meriden, CT Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Meriden Code Section 61-3 creates the sole exception to the citywide open-container ban in Section 61-2 for organized public functions. Under Section 61-3A, consumption and possession with intent to consume alcoholic liquor, along with its sale, service or distribution, are permitted during a public function, festival or celebration held within a public highway, sidewalk or parking area, but only pursuant to a written permit issued by the Chief of Police or a person the Chief designates to issue permits. Section 61-3B spells out the application: it must be in writing to the Chief of Police, name and give the address of the responsible officials of the sponsoring organization, specify which parts of the public highway, sidewalk or parking area will be used, and state the event's start and end times, including daily hours if it runs more than one day, along with expected attendance and whether the event is open to the public.

The application must be filed at least 10 calendar days before the first day of the event, and the Chief of Police must issue or deny the permit in writing at least four calendar days before the event starts. A permit issues once the required information is provided, the 10-day filing window is met, and the Chief confirms the event is open to the public and that every other required government approval, including State Liquor Control Commission approval, has been obtained. Section 61-3C carves back into the exception: even with a valid permit, alcohol possession or consumption inside parked vehicles on the public highway, sidewalk or parking area remains prohibited under any circumstances.