Drunk tank

A drunk tank is a jail cell or separate facility accommodating people who are intoxicated, especially with alcohol.^[1] Some such facilities are mobile, and may be spoken of as "booze buses".

Traditionally, and in some jurisdictions currently, the circumstances of drunk tank occupants may vary widely, as to whether in fact intoxicated, whether willingly there, whether isolated to protect them from others, confined to protect others from them, or simply permitted to find shelter, and whether legally under arrest, charged with an offense, or neither. Those in need of more long-term treatment may be referred to a rehabilitation center.