No, drinking in public is generally prohibited under Romanian law, with exceptions tied to licensed venues or local ordinances. The Public Order and Safety Law (Law 61/1991) and municipal regulations criminalize public intoxication or alcohol consumption in non-designated areas. Local authorities, such as the Direcția Generală de Poliție a Municipiului București or county police, enforce these rules, often issuing fines up to RON 1,000 (≈€200) for violations. While some cities permit drinking in parks or streets under specific conditions, these are rare and require prior approval.
Key Regulations for Drinking in Public in Romania
- Public Intoxication Ban: Law 61/1991, Article 45, criminalizes behavior deemed “disturbing public order” due to alcohol consumption, including visible intoxication in streets or public transport.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca impose stricter rules via hotărâri de consiliu local, often banning open containers in city centers or near schools. Non-compliance risks fines or confiscation.
- Licensed Exceptions: Consumption is permitted in venues with alcohol licenses (bars, restaurants) or during authorized events (e.g., festivals with permits from the Autoritatea Națională pentru Administrare și Reglementare în Comunicații). Police may still intervene if behavior escalates.
Enforcement varies by region, with urban areas prioritizing stricter controls. Travelers should verify local rules, as 2026 compliance updates may introduce new restrictions or digital reporting systems for violations.