Open containers and consumption of alcoholic beverages prohibited in certain public places.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 7-4-15
in effectSec. 7-4-15. - Open containers and consumption of alcoholic beverages prohibited in certain public places.
A. It is unlawful for any person or persons, while in or on any streets, sidewalks, alleyways, parking areas, bus and trolley stops and shelters, or other open areas operated and controlled by the city within the central business improvement district, defined in sections 12-32-2 and 12-44-2, to consume any alcoholic beverage as defined in section 7-4-1, or to possess for the purpose of consumption any such alcoholic beverage, unless such beverage remains commercially sealed.
B. Possession of any alcoholic beverage in an open container not permitted in subsection A of this section shall be prima facie evidence of having the beverage for the purpose of consumption.
C. This section shall not apply to the following:
1. Patrons of premises licensed for on-premises consumption while the patrons are in or upon such premises;
2. Patrons of premises licensed for on-premises consumption where attendance may be controlled by the owner or lessee;
3. Patrons of premises that have been granted a special event permit as set forth in section 7-8-21 of this Code;
4. The Beale Street Historic District as set forth in section 7-8-23, and other such districts within the Central Business Improvement District as may hereafter be designated by state or local authorities.
D. Subsection C of this section may include outdoor areas.
(Code 1985, § 4-14; Ord. No. 4828, § 1, 11-21-2000)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT7ALBE_CH7-4ALBEGE_S7-4-15OPCOCOALBEPRCEPUPLFetched: 10/28/2026