Restrictions on Sales and Consumption

There are various ways to restrict sales and consumption of malt liquor and fortified wine given any of the policy formats. Cities have been creative in tailoring restrictions to their unique situations. The following are descriptions of restrictions we observed in use across the country.

Alcohol Type: Prohibits the sale of certain types of alcoholic beverages known to be associated with street drinking and chronic public inebriation, such as high-alcohol malt liquor, fortified wine, and small bottles of spirits. [See examples]

Brands: Prohibits the sale of specific brands of alcoholic beverages known to be associated with street drinking and chronic public inebriation, such as certain brands of high-alcohol malt liquor and fortified wine. [See examples]

Chilled Container: Prohibits the sale of single containers of beer and malt liquor that are chilled, thereby facilitating immediate public consumption. [See examples]

Container Size: Prohibits the sale of large, “single-serving” containers of beer and malt liquor, such as 22, 32, and 40 oz. bottles, and small bottles of wine and spirits, which are associated with street drinking and chronic public inebriation. [See examples]

General Alcohol Sales: Includes various policies that authorize local governments to restrict alcohol sales, including high-alcohol products. [See examples]

Glass Container: Prohibits the possession of glass containers of alcohol in certain public areas, especially where broken glass may present a hazard, such as parks and beaches. Typically, these restrictions apply to all alcoholic beverages. However, alcohol officials interviewed in these cities indicated that the original intent of the ordinance was to address problems related to the consumption of beverages associated with street drinking, such as malt liquor and fortified wine. [See examples]

Open Container: Prohibits the consumption of alcohol in certain areas where public drinking has created nuisance issues, such as in parks, near homeless shelters, and in parking lots adjacent to liquor stores. Typically, these restrictions apply to all alcoholic beverages. However, alcohol officials interviewed in these cities indicated that the original intent of the ordinance was to address problems related to the consumption of beverages associated with street drinking, such as malt liquor and fortified wine. [See examples]

Single Container: Prohibits the sale of single containers of malt beverages, and/or prohibits separating a manufacturers’ package in order to sell the individual containers, which are associated with street drinking. [See examples]