Drinking age in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The minimum age to buy beer, wine and spirits is 21. Public possession by under-21s is allowed in set cases, such as with a parent, spouse or guardian aged 21 or over, and selling to anyone under 21 is an offence even if the seller did not know their age.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Public possession by a person under 21 is not an offence where the drink is for an established religious purpose, when the person is accompanied by a parent, spouse or legal guardian aged 21 or over, for medical purposes, or in a private residence (including up to 20 contiguous acres owned by the dwelling's owner). A person other than a parent, spouse or legal guardian may not buy alcohol for someone under 21. [2] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Selling or delivering alcohol for value to anyone under 21 is an offence, and not knowing the buyer's age is no defence. Penalty: a fine of 500 to 1,000 dollars, or 30 days to 6 months in jail, or both. The only exception is a person receiving delivery as the lawful owner or employee of the establishment. [3] |
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 14:93.12 Purchase and public possession of alcoholic beverages; exceptions; penalties (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 14:93.10 Definitions (unlawful sale, purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 14:93.11 Unlawful sales to persons under twenty-one (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) | 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) | Allowed with parent/spouse/guardian 21+; religious use | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sales under 21; age ignorance no defence |
| Mississippi | 21+ | 21+ | Beer only, 18-20 with parent or guardian | ⚠ Not yet verified | Package stores closed Sundays; local option |
| Texas | 21 (minors may not buy) | 21 (minors may not buy) | Only in visible presence of adult parent, guardian or spouse | Public drinking banned at night and Sunday mornings | Liquor stores closed Sundays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.