City of Meriden, CT Chapter 61 Alcoholic Beverages

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Meriden 12-6-1982. Amendments noted where applicable.]

STATUTORY REFERENCES

Motor vehicles — See C.G.S. § 14-1 et seq.

Intoxicating liquors — See C.G.S. § 30-1 et seq.

§ 61-1 Definitions.

Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows:

ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR

As it is defined in § 30-1(3) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

PARKED VEHICLE

As it is defined in § 14-1(65) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

PARKING AREA

Lots, areas or other accommodations for the parking of motor vehicles off the street or highway and open to public use with or without charge.

POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO CONSUME

Having in one's possession or control alcoholic liquor in a glass, open bottle, open can or other open container so as to permit consumption.

PUBLIC HIGHWAY

A highway, road, street, avenue, boulevard or other way within and under the control of the City of Meriden and open to public use, including the sidewalks of any such highway.

§ 61-2 Public highways, sidewalks and parking areas.

Except as permitted in § 61-3 hereof, no person shall consume any alcoholic liquor or possess with intent to consume any alcoholic liquor upon or within the limits of any public highway or sidewalk or parking area within the City of Meriden. For purposes of this section, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the possession with intent to consume alcoholic liquor in parked vehicles within or upon a public highway, sidewalk or parking area is a violation hereof.

§ 61-3 Exception for public functions under permit; possession or consumption in parked vehicles prohibited.

A. Consumption of alcoholic liquor and possession with the intent to consume alcoholic liquor are permitted during any public function, festival or celebration being conducted within a public highway, sidewalk or parking area pursuant to a written permit issued by the Chief of Police or person designated by the Chief to issue such permits authorizing the sale, service or distribution of alcoholic liquor at or in connection with such function, festival or celebration.

B. An application for a permit shall be in writing, directed to the Chief of Police. The application shall state the name and address of responsible officials of the organization sponsoring the function, festival or celebration (event), specify the parts of the public highway, sidewalk or parking area to be used during the event, specify the beginning and ending time of the event and, if it continues for more than one day, the hours in each day it is to be conducted, the number of people to be in attendance at the event and whether the event is open to the public. The application shall be filed at least 10 calendar days before the first day of the event, and the permit shall be issued or denied in writing at least four calendar days before the first day of the event. The permit shall be issued if all of the required information is provided, the application is made at least 10 days before the event, and the Chief of Police or his designee determines that the event will be open to the public and that all necessary permits, licenses and approvals have been obtained from all government authorities having jurisdiction, including but not limited to the State Liquor Control Commission.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

C. Consumption of alcoholic liquor or possession with intent to consume alcoholic liquor shall not be permitted in parked vehicles within or upon public highways, streets or parking areas under any circumstances.

§ 61-4 Possession and consumption by minors.

[Added 2-18-2003]

A. No person under the age of 21 years shall be in possession of, or have in his area of control, containers of alcoholic liquors, whether open or closed, within the City of Meriden, except when accompanied by or in the presence of his or her parent, guardian, or spouse who has attained the age of 21 years.

B. No person shall use or allow the use of premises under his or her control to permit the possession, consumption or dispensing of alcoholic liquor to or by any person under the age of 21 years unless said person is accompanied by or in the presence of his or her parent, guardian, or spouse who has attained the age of 21 years.

C. The provisions of this section may be enforced by citation, in addition to other remedies. The following persons have the authority to issue citations for violations of this section: any City of Meriden police officer.

§ 61-5 Penalties for offenses.

[Amended 9-16-1996]

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be fined $50 to $90 for each violation.