Is near beer legal to drink on the streets in Illinois?

Question

The softball teams and fans in Ottawa, Illinois have been drinking beer outside the ball park fences for years, even though there is a sign posted saying not to do so. The police just started issuing tickets.

Would it be legal to drink a NA beer such as O'Douls in a public place where alcoholic beverages are unlawful?

Answer 1

Non alcoholic beers are as legal as a can soda.

The problem comes in when joe or jane citizen sees people drinking what they think is beer and they complain to the police. In those cases you may be hassled until the cops see that it is really near beer.

FYI for the person who claims to be the police. Near beer has the same alcohol content as pasteurized milk. Anything that has sugar in it can and does ferment slightly. The laws are clear, near beer can be sold to minors and is considered non alcoholic in Illinois.

Answer 2

NO it is not!!  Still contain small amount of alcohol.  You can be arrested for drinking while driving or open alcohol in the car/ drinking on public way.

Answer 3

Most places have open container laws. They might allow drinks at a horse race or football game or a New Orleans Madri Gras parade but these are special events. In general, there are always open container laws for police to pick up a disorderly drunk person. As long as you behave, you are OK. Good Luck.