This year at Gasparilla, hundreds of people will receive open container citations. So what exactly is Tampa’s open container law?
Under the City of Tampa’s Municipal Code, Sec. 3-40 “Consumption and possession of open containers on streets, sidewalks, alleys and other public property”, it is unlawful for a person to consume, assist or aid another to consume any alcoholic beverage upon any street, sidewalk, alley or other public property within the city. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage upon any street, sidewalk, alley or other public property, including public or semi-public parking lots, within the city.
Additionally, underage possession of alcohol is illegal in Florida and can be punished by up to a $500 fine.
If you have been issued one of these citations, you should contact a Tampa criminal defense attorney immediately. You may be able to avoid having to pay the citation altogether and keep it off your record. At Taracks & Associates our legal team has over 40 years experience fighting for people such as yourself. We have three former prosecutors on staff who know how to fight the charges you are facing. Call us today for a free consultation at 813-281-2897.