The DeKalb open liquor law has been around for a number of years, but many are still unaware of its stipulations.

The law has been in affect for more than 28 years and, according to Lt. Carl Leoni of the DeKalb Police Department, the purpose of the law is to “just keep a handle on the drinking,” and prevent the death of those drinking alcohol in a public place.

“We get a lot of public intoxication,” Leoni said, “but even more with just open containers of alcohol.”

According to the law, any person of the legal drinking age is unable to have an open container of alcohol of any type on public property including sidewalks, parkways, or streets.

“It’s not an uncommon law,“ said Corporal Scott Farrell of the DeKalb Police Department. “It’s meant to keep people from being intoxicated in the roadways or in the streets,” Farrell said.

By drinking open liquor on public property, one risks being issued a fine of $200. The first offense results in a mail-in complaint, which gives the offender the option of paying their fine without going to court.

However, personal checks are not accepted, and the offender has to send either a certified check or a money order. After the first offense, the offender will have to go to court and will be required to pay the $200 fine as well as court fees.

The main reason for the open liquor law is to prevent deaths from reckless drinking.

“We take it real serious and we enforce it heavily,” Leoni said.

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