Consumer Services

Alcohol Warning Signs

On May 11, 2004, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 04-94, requiring the owner or operator of any package or food store selling alcoholic beverages to post alcohol warning signs.

• What is the purpose of the law?
• To whom does the law apply?
• Where must the signs be posted?
• What are the sign requirements?
• When is the law effective?
• Who enforces the ordinance?
• What is the penalty for violating the law?
• Are there any changes to previous sign requirements?

What is the purpose of the law?

It alerts individuals, when buying alcoholic beverages at package and food stores that it is unlawful to possess an open container of alcohol while driving or riding in a motor vehicle, that driving under the influence of alcohol is unlawful and that violators are subject to immediate arrest and impoundment of their vehicle.

To whom does the law apply?

It applies to owners and operators of package stores and food stores throughout Miami-Dade County that offer alcoholic beverages for sale.

Where must the signs be posted?

Signs shall prominently be posted on the outside of each display case and cooler containing alcoholic beverages.  For example, if there is a display case for beer in the rear of the store and a cooler of beer in the front of the store, a sign would have to be posted on both the display case and the cooler.

What are the sign requirements?

Each sign must be at least eleven (11) inches by seventeen (17) inches in size.  The required wording, which must be legible and printed in English, Spanish and Creole, is…“It is unlawful to possess an open container of alcohol while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol is unlawful. Violators are subject to immediate arrest and impoundment of their vehicle. Remember: just one bottle of beer or other alcoholic drink could land you in jail.”

Click here to read and download English, Spanish and Creole versions.

Decal signs that have letters printed on a transparent background, so that customers can still see the products offered for sale through a glass door of a display case, are permitted

When is the law effective?

The law became effective on May 22, 2004.  Enforcement of this law began on October 1, 2004.

Who enforces the ordinance?

The Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department.

What is the penalty for violating the law?

Violations of this law carry a civil fine of $500 for each violation

Are there any changes to previous sign requirements?

 

There are no changes to the previous requirement for signs printed with contrasting letters at least two (2) inches tall to be posted on the outside of each entrance and on the inside of the main customer exit.

Those signs should state...“It is unlawful for any person to consume, or possess, in an open container, any alcoholic beverage in this store or within 100 feet of any part of this store. Violators are subject to arrest and prosecution.”

These signs must be in English. Spanish and Creole translations are optional.

Questions regarding these requirements should be directed to the Consumer Services Department’s Consumer Mediation Center at (305) 375-3677. Thank you for your cooperation.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Tue Aug 9, 2011 2:32:31 PM