Can You Drink Alcohol on Virginia Beach?
No. The City of Virginia Beach's official visitor site says no alcohol or glass of any kind is allowed on the beach unless permitted for an event, and carrying an open container of alcohol in public is illegal. Police patrol the streets and beaches.
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What the city says
The city’s alcohol policy page states that no alcohol or glass of any kind is allowed on the beach unless permitted for an event. It also says that carrying an unsealed or open container of alcohol in public or in a car is illegal, that Virginia Beach is very strict about open containers, and that police patrol the streets and beaches looking for alcoholic beverages.
The only exception
The city’s “ask a local” answer says alcohol is not allowed in any public place, including sidewalk, beach and street, unless it is specifically permitted by the city of Virginia Beach and Virginia ABC for an event or business. If you buy a drink there, you may drink it as long as you stay within the boundaries of that event or restaurant. You cannot bring your own alcohol to an event or bar.
Penalties
The city page says that in 2013 more than 228 people were charged with having glass or alcohol on the beach and that they all faced fines. It does not give a fine amount, and we did not find the current penalty on an official page. Ask the city or read the Virginia Beach city code for the current penalty.
Practical tips
- Leave drinks at the hotel, restaurant or permitted event.
- Do not hide alcohol in cups or coolers.
- Do not bring glass containers of any kind.
People also ask
Can you drink on Virginia Beach?
No. The city says no alcohol or glass is allowed on the beach unless permitted for an event.
What are the Virginia Beach rules on alcohol?
Open containers in public are illegal, and alcohol is allowed only where the city and Virginia ABC have permitted it for an event or business.
What are the Virginia Beach drinking laws for the beach?
The city says police patrol the beaches and streets for alcohol. The official page gives no fine amount, so check the city code.
Sources
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