§ 6–321
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Alco. Bev. § 6-321 (2026)
Title 6. Forfeitures; Enforcement; Prohibited Acts; Penalties
Subtitle 3. Prohibited Acts
§ 6–321LinkCopy Citation
(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.