Underage Drinking
Louisiana
The policy topics, below, address statues and regulations related to underage drinking and access to alcohol.
Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):
- private residence
- OR parent/guardian
- OR spouse
Consumption is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):
- private residence
- OR parent/guardian
- OR spouse
Internal possession is not explicitly prohibited.
Purchase is prohibited and there is NO ALLOWANCE for youth purchase for law enforcement purposes.
Furnishing is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):
- parent/guardian
- OR spouse
- Beer: 18 for both servers and bartenders
- Wine: 18 for both servers and bartenders
- Spirits: 18 for both servers and bartenders
- Beer: Not Specified
- Wine: Not Specified
- Spirits: Not Specified
Condition(s) that must be met in order for an underage person to sell alcoholic beverages:
- manager/supervisor is present
Provision(s) targeting minors:
- Use of a false ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense
- No driver's license suspension procedure
Provision(s) targeting retailers:
- Licenses for drivers under age 21 are easily distinguishable from those for drivers age 21 and older
- Specific affirmative defense - the retailer inspected the false ID and came to a reasonable conclusion based on its appearance that it was valid
Notes:
In Louisiana, beginning January 1, 2000, and thereafter, special identification cards issued to applicants less than twenty-one years of age shall contain a highly visible distinctive color to clearly indicate that the card has been issued to an applicant less than twenty-one years of age. Special identification cards are to be accepted as valid identification of the person to whom it was issued but does not enable the person to whom it is issued to operate a motor vehicle. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1321.
BAC limit: 0.02 - a BAC level above the limit is per se (conclusive) evidence of a violation.
Applies to drivers under age 21.
Keg definition: four or more gallons
Purchaser information collected:
- purchaser's name and address
- verified by a government-issued ID
Warning information to purchaser: active – purchaser action required (e.g., signature)
Deposit: not required
Provisions do not specifically address disposable kegs
Type(s) of violation leading to driver's license suspension, revocation, or denial:
- Underage purchase
- Underage possession
- Underage consumption
Use/lose penalties apply to minors under age 21
Authority to impose driver's license sanction
- mandatory
Length of suspension/revocation:
- Minimum: 90 days
- Maximum: 365 days
Notes:
In Louisiana, a person between the ages of 13 and 18 years old who is adjudicated delinquent of a crime or offense involving alcohol shall lose his or her driving privileges for not less than 90 days but not more than one year or until he or she has reached the age of 18 years, whichever is longer.
No State-imposed liability for hosting underage drinking parties.