Louisiana's Beer Buying Hours: When Can I Buy?

Louisiana has some of the most relaxed alcohol laws in the US. Alcohol can be sold from 6 am to 2 am every day, although some parishes may have their own rules. There are no restrictions on Sunday sales, and bars and restaurants must close by 2 am, except in New Orleans, where some bars are allowed to stay open 24 hours a day.

Louisiana's alcohol laws

Louisiana has some of the most relaxed alcohol laws in the United States. Alcohol can be sold and purchased any time, any day of the week. However, bars and restaurants must close by 2:00 a.m. every night, except in New Orleans, where some bars are allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

There are no statewide laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol at certain times, but some parishes may have their own rules and limit the hours during which alcohol can be sold.

Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes, most of which are "wet" or a combination of "wet and dry", meaning that certain wards within the parishes prohibit alcohol sales.

There are no "blue laws" in Louisiana, which are laws that restrict the hours that alcohol can be sold on Sundays. Alcohol sales are permitted 7 days a week.

Louisiana has an open container law, which means that it is illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, for both drivers and passengers.

The minimum drinking age in Louisiana is 21, and there are exceptions for those who are accompanied by a spouse, guardian, or parent over 21, those who handle alcohol as part of their job, those who consume alcohol as part of a religious celebration, and those who consume alcohol in a private residence.

Where to buy beer

Louisiana has some of the least restrictive alcohol laws in the US. The sale of alcohol is permitted throughout the week, and bars and restaurants must close by 2:00 a.m. However, some bars in New Orleans are allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

Beer is widely available at all hours of the day in Louisiana. Here are some of the places where you can buy beer:

• Bars and restaurants: Beer is available at bars and restaurants across the state, with the exception of some areas on Sundays.
• Package and liquor stores: These stores have very relaxed beer laws and can sell beer 24 hours a day.
• Breweries and taprooms: There are no statewide laws prohibiting off-premise sales, but some municipalities restrict the hours for these sales.
• Gas stations: Beer can be purchased at gas stations 24 hours a day, making it convenient for those on the go.
• Grocery stores: Beer, wine, and liquor can be found at grocery stores around the clock.
• Online retailers: Alcohol, including beer, can be purchased online in Louisiana, but only through licensed retailers or manufacturers.
• Specialty beer stores: For a wider selection of craft beers, you can visit specialty beer stores such as The Red, White, and Brew in Hammond, Martin Wine Cellar in New Orleans, or Bayou Beer Garden in New Orleans.

Sunday sales

Louisiana has some of the most relaxed alcohol laws in the country. There are no statewide restrictions on the sale of alcohol, and it can be sold 24/7. This includes Sundays, as Louisiana has no blue laws restricting alcohol sales on this day.

However, some cities and parishes may have their own rules regarding alcohol sales hours, so it's important to check with local authorities. For example, bars and restaurants must close by 2:00 a.m. each day, except for those in New Orleans, which are allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

In addition, while there are no statewide limitations on off-premise beer sales, some local parishes may restrict the hours of this practice or prohibit it altogether.

Drinking laws

Louisiana has some of the most relaxed alcohol laws in the United States. Alcohol can be sold and purchased any day of the week, with no restrictions on particular times. However, bars and restaurants must close by 2 am, except in New Orleans, where some bars are permitted to operate 24 hours a day.

There are no dry parishes in Louisiana, and alcohol can be purchased 24/7 in grocery and liquor stores, as well as gas stations. However, some parishes may have their own rules and limit the hours that alcohol can be sold.

Louisiana has an open container law, which means it is illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, for both drivers and passengers. The state also has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs, and any detectable amount of an illegal substance in the system can result in a DUI charge.

The legal drinking age in Louisiana is 21. There are some exceptions to this rule, including when the person is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse over 21, when the person must handle alcohol as part of their job, when the consumption of alcohol is part of a religious celebration, and when the drinking occurs in a private residence.

For a first-time DUI offence, penalties can include fines, community service, and jail time. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices.

Louisiana also has social host liability laws, which means individuals serving alcohol to guests in their homes or at private events can be held liable for any harm caused by their guests. It is also illegal to bring your own alcohol to a restaurant in Louisiana.

Overall, while Louisiana has a lively culture and vibrant nightlife, it is important to familiarise yourself with the drinking laws to ensure responsible consumption and compliance with the regulations.

Bars and restaurants

Louisiana has some of the least restrictive alcohol laws in the United States. Alcohol can be sold from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day, and there are no statewide laws prohibiting when beer can be sold. However, restaurants and bars must close by 2:00 a.m. each day, except for those in New Orleans, which are allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

In Louisiana, bars and restaurants can sell and serve beer within the following conditions:

• Hours: Bars and restaurants statewide must close by 2:00 a.m. However, bars in New Orleans, particularly those in the French Quarter, are permitted to be open 24 hours.
• Types of beer available: All types of beer are available, including draft, bottles, and cans.
• Off-premise use: There is no statewide law prohibiting off-premise sales. However, many municipalities restrict the hours or ban it altogether.

It is important to note that Louisiana's laws can vary among parishes, so it is always a good idea to check the local regulations in your specific area.

Frequently asked questions