CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage
Containers
MEETING DATE: August 20, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Christina Reveles, Lieutenant
REVIEWED BY: Chris Karrer, Police Chief
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 11.10 of Title 11 of the Menifee Municipal Code expanding regulations for the possession of alcoholic beverage containers in public places and other specified areas within the City.
DISCUSSION
The City of Menifee’s current Municipal Code, Title 11, Chapter 11.10 (Ordinance), addresses the possession of open alcoholic beverage containers near alcohol off-sale premises, such as adjacent parking lots and sidewalks. However, the existing Ordinance does not address the full other locations where alcohol consumption or possession of open containers can pose a threat to public health, safety, and welfare. In particular, the proposed Ordinance intends to expand existing regulations to include public spaces such as parks, areas open to the public, public and private streets, playgrounds, and various city facilities, which lack clear regulations.
The proposed Ordinance seeks to:
Extend existing prohibitions against possessing open alcoholic beverage containers in certain specified areas to include all public spaces within the City, including but not limited to parks, areas open to the public, public and private streets, playgrounds, and various other City facilities, which lack clear regulations.
Further clarify existing prohibitions that regulate the sale, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages in public places, unless such a sale, consumption, or possession is in accordance with state or local permits, including those events requiring City permits.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Regulations for Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers Ordinance Introduction August 20, 2025
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Introduce additional language related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property that is generally accessible to the public and/or open to public view from public spaces. This ensures consistency across various property types in the City. Highlight the existing signage requirements currently in place for off-sale premises, which would remain the same. Retailers would continue to be required to post notices about alcohol regulations in adjacent parking lots and sidewalks.
The proposed Ordinance would align with existing state laws and improve the City’s ability to manage alcohol-related activities in public areas. The proposed Ordinance also clarifies that alcohol may be possessed or consumed within the City if proper permits are obtained. This balances public safety concerns with flexibility and open community to allow alcohol at certain permitted events.
Additionally, the Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 25620 (a) prohibits any person from possessing any can, bottle, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, has a broken a seal, or the contents of which have been partially removed, in any city, county, or city and county owned park or public place, any recreation and park district, or any regional park or open-space district. Any persons who violate Bus. & Prof. Code § 25620 (a) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if the city, county, or city and county has enacted an ordinance that prohibits possession of those containers in those areas or the consumption of alcoholic beverages in those areas.
The proposed Ordinance would allow for the use of all criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement tools, consistent with other existing provisions for violations of the Menifee Municipal Code. The need for the proposed Ordinance arises from public safety concerns and the desire to prevent disturbances associated with the consumption of alcohol in public spaces. Extending these regulations to cover all public areas can reduce incidents of alcohol-related nuisances and provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to quickly address them.
Furthermore, the proposed Ordinance would enhance public safety by enforcing alcohol-related regulations across all public areas of the City, preventing alcohol-related disruptions and maintaining public order.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Safe and Vibrant Community
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance