Louisiana Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Spirits are sold in private retail stores, while beer and wine are sold in grocery and convenience store. The hours and days in which alcohol can be sold are not set.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
At 21, a person can legally consume alcohol. At 18 years of age, a person can be employed as a server or bartender in a restaurant that sells alcohol. As long as a business holds an off-premises license, age is not a factor in working for a business that sells alcohol as their main purpose.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

A driver who tests with a BAC that is .15 percent over the .08 percent maximum or doesn’t comply with an officer’s request to test their level of intoxication may face harsher penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 90 days for the first offense, one year for the second, and two years for the third conviction.

After a driver’s third DUI conviction, their vehicle may be confiscated by the penal system in Louisiana.

After a third DUI conviction, an ignition interlock device may be installed in the driver’s vehicle. Another possible punishment is alcohol education, treatment, or assessment for alcohol abuse.

After the third conviction, DUI is considered a felony.