Ordinances

The City of Carbondale Police Department wants to remind all residents of State Laws and Local Ordinances concerning alcohol, bicycles, parking, and amplified sound. For more information about the ordinances, contact the Police Department.

  1. Alcohol
  2. Bicycles
  3. Parking
  4. Amplified Sound

State Laws & Ordinances

State law and city ordinance require a person to be 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. City ordinance has established a minimum $250 fine for underage possession/consumption offenses.

Entering Bars

You must be 19 years of age to enter a bar in Carbondale unless you are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This does not prohibit persons under 19 from entering restaurants or similar establishments whose primary purpose is not related to the service of alcohol.

Showing Identification

An ordinance requires you to show a vehicle operator’s license, a state photo ID card, a visa, a passport, or a military identification card to enter a bar in Carbondale. No other forms of ID are accepted. State law mandates that anyone who uses another person’s driver’s license or ID card to enter a bar is subject to a minimum fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service. In addition, both the person who uses the ID and the actual owner of the ID may have their driver’s license suspended for 12 months. It is illegal to possess a false or forged license or ID card.

Police officers have the authority to request ID from bar patrons they believe are underage. Failure to cooperate with an officer could result in an arrest for obstructing justice or resisting a police officer.

Furnishing Alcohol

If you are hosting a party, it is illegal to sell alcohol without a license. It is also unlawful to furnish alcoholic beverages for money or any other consideration. This includes charging for cups or entertainment and providing “free” alcoholic beverages.

It is illegal to furnish alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age, and it is the party host’s responsibility to ensure that persons are 21 or older before serving them alcohol. It is a good idea to have non-alcoholic drinks available for guests who are under the age of 21.

Kegs

It is unlawful for anyone to purchase or transport a keg between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. in Carbondale. There are additional days around Halloween when keg sales are prohibited.

Unsealed Containers

It is illegal to possess an unsealed container of alcohol on public property. This includes streets, sidewalks, alleys, and any public way. Party hosts are responsible for ensuring their guests do not leave their party with open containers of alcohol.

Officers at Parties

If the police arrive at a party, the host should meet with the officers as soon as they come. Officers will notify the host of complaints received or other reasons why police are at the party. Officers will then review laws and city ordinances which apply to the party with the host. Once the host is made aware of the problems, they should take steps to eliminate the violations. If the police return, arrests are likely to result.