# Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis (GAB)

## Title 6. Forfeitures; Enforcement; Prohibited Acts; Penalties

### Subtitle 3. Prohibited Acts

#### Section 6-321

(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 Sec. 10-119 of the Criminal Law Article; and

    (ii) is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.

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Md. Code Ann., Alco. Bev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)