Md. Code, AB§ 6-321

Current with changes from the 2024 legislative session through Ch. 734, effective on or before 6/1/2024
Section 6-321 - Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public
(a) In this section, "public property" includes property that is:
(1) a structure, road, parking area, or grounds; and
(2) located on land owned, leased, or operated by:
(i) the State;
(ii) a county;
(iii) a municipality;
(iv) the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission;
(v) the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission;
(vi) the Montgomery County Revenue Authority; or
(vii) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
(b)
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, an individual may not consume an alcoholic beverage:
(i) on public property;
(ii) on the mall, adjacent parking area, or other outside area of a shopping center;
(iii) on an adjacent parking area or other outside area of any other retail establishment; and
(iv) in a parked vehicle located in an area described under item (i), (ii), or (iii) of this paragraph.
(2) An individual may consume an alcoholic beverage on:
(i) public property if authorized by the governmental entity that has authority over the property; or
(ii) private property described under paragraph (1)(ii) through (iv) of this subsection if authorized by the owner of the property.
(3) If the owner or operator of a motor home or chartered bus has consented to the consumption of the alcoholic beverages, paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to passengers:
(i) in the living quarters of a motor home equipped with a toilet and central heating; or
(ii) of a chartered bus in transit.
(c)
(1) A violation of this section is a Code violation and a civil offense.
(2) A person who violates this section:
(i) shall be issued a citation under § 10-119 of the Criminal Law Article; and
(ii) is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.

Md. Code, AB§ 6-321

Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 578, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.
Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 41, Sec. 2, eff. 7/1/2016.