The purposes of this chapter are the protection of the public health,
safety, morals and general welfare, the reduction in the incidence of criminal
activity associated with possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
in public places and the enforcement to create control and responsible behavior.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ON OR ABOUT THE PREMISES
The location of any container, bottle or can containing any alcoholic
beverage which is nearby, close at hand, convenient of access and within such
distance of the party so having it as that such party could, without materially
changing his position, get his hand on it.
OPEN
The condition of a container whose cap, cork or other top has been
removed, or the condition of a can which has been punctured or pulled open
so as to break its seal.
POSSESSION
Having any container, bottle or can containing an alcoholic beverage
on his/her person or adjacent to his/her person and under his/her control.
No person shall have on his/her person, in his/her possession, or carry
or transport liquor or malt brew, as defined by the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, except in the original package, with the seal unbroken, while
in or upon the streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, parks, public parking
lots, playgrounds, shopping centers or any other public place in the Township
of Abington. Further, no person shall drink or consume or otherwise ingest
liquor, wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages in or upon any street, highway,
alley, sidewalk, park, public parking lot, playground, shopping center, thoroughfare
or any other public place in the Township of Abington.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall, upon
conviction before any District Justice, be subject to a fine of not more than
$300, together with costs of prosecution for the violation, or, in default
of payment thereof, to suffer imprisonment in the county jail for a term not
to exceed 30 days if any fine imposed, together with costs, is not paid within
10 days of the date of imposition thereof. Prosecution shall be before the
District Justice in the township.
This prohibition shall not apply to alcoholic beverages consumed in
public places as allowed by special permit issued by the Abington Township
Police Department for block parties.