Beer and wine consumption; possession of open container; disposal of containers.
Charlotte City Code § 15-3
in effectSec. 15-3. - Beer and wine consumption; possession of open container; disposal of containers.
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Beer means the same as the term "malt beverage," as defined by G.S. ch. 18B.
Open container means a container that has a broken seal or a container other than the manufacturer's unopened original container.
Public street means any highway, road, street, avenue, boulevard, or other way within and under the control of the city and open to public use, including the sidewalks of any such street.
Rapid transit rail platform has the meaning set forth in section 15-270.
Wine means the same as the term "unfortified wine," as defined by G.S. ch. 18B.
(b) Consumption in public. Except as permitted in chapter 19 article IX, chapter 15 article XV, and subsection (f) of this section, no person shall consume any beer or wine upon or within the limits of any public street or sidewalk in the city or upon any rapid transit rail platform.
(c) Consumption on private premises. It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any wine or beer upon the private business premises of another without permission of the owner or person in control of such premises.
(d) Possession of open container in public. Except as permitted in chapter 19 article IX, chapter 15 article XV, and subsection (f) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess an open container of beer or wine upon or within the limits of any public street or sidewalk in the city or upon any rapid transit rail platform.
(e) Container disposal. It shall be unlawful for any person to drop, throw, cast or deposit any used wine or beer container upon any public street or sidewalk or upon the private business premises of another without permission of the owner or person in control of such premises.
(f) Exception; permit required. Consumption of beer and wine is permitted during any community-sponsored public function, festival or celebration being conducted within a public street, sidewalk or other publicly owned area pursuant to a written permit issued by the city manager or his duly authorized designee. This permit, when issued, will also allow the sale, service and distribution of beer and wine on designated streets, sidewalks and areas reserved for the event, subject to all applicable ABC regulations. However, before such permit is issued under this section, the city manager or his duly authorized designee shall designate the boundaries of the event and temporarily close those streets within the boundaries for general public use.
(g) Application for permit. Application forms for the permit referred to in subsection (f) of this section are available from the department of transportation or the risk management division and must be filed at least 21 days prior to the opening day of the event.
(h) Violations. A violation of this section may be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor and be subject to a maximum fine not to exceed $500.00 pursuant to G.S. 160A-175 and G.S. 14-4.
(Code 1985, § 15-3; Ord. No. 3655, § 5, 7-23-2007; Ord. No. 373, § 1, 8-22-2022; Ord. No. 720, § 2, 2-12-2024)
Source: City of Charlotte, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nc/charlotte/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH15OFMIPR_ARTIINGE_S15-3BEWICOPOOPCODICOFetched: 10/27/2026