What You Need to Know About New Orleans Drinking Laws for Mardi Gras. By Nicholas Mancall-Bitel. The Drinking Age Is 18 if an Over-21 Parent/Guardian or Spouse Is Present. The legal drinking age in Louisiana is 21, and this law remains in effect during Mardi Gras. Bars, restaurants, and vendors are required to verify the age of patrons by checking valid identification. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or legal consequences. These are some things to keep in mind while gearing up for Mardi Gras. Keep in mind that we list both informal guidelines here as well as a few actual rules – i.e. “laws.” The laws are meant to keep everyone safe and give everyone a fair chance of catching some good throws. The legal drinking age is 21, but individuals aged 18-20 can work in bars with a state-issued permit. Age requirements shape the city’s tourism industry and cultural experiences for visitors of all ages. While some policies align with national standards, New Orleans maintains unique approaches tailored to its local customs and entertainment One of the unique aspects of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the city’s open container law, which allows for the public consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, this freedom comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities. The legal drinking age in Louisiana is 21, and proper identification is required when purchasing or consuming alcohol. The legal drinking age is 21. Be safe if you choose to drink. Set a reasonable limit for yourself and alternate with water to stay hydrated. Drink only beverages that you watch the bartender prepare in front of you. Do NOT leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from anyone. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. New Orleans is quite strict about parking and even more so during Mardi Gras. Public Drinking Rules. For many people, drinking and Mardi Gras go hand in hand. New Orleans is tolerant of drinking in public. However, they do not allow patrons of Mardi Gras to drink from open glass bottles or cans. The Drinking Age Is 21 Years Old Another way to find yourself in trouble during Mardi Gras is to drink while underage. The only exception is if you are 18 years old and in the presence of a guardian or spouse who is over the age limit themselves. Wherever you go, revelers take full advantage of the city’s famously relaxed laws that allow drinking in public year round. No glass containers or cans are allowed on the street, however — hence the omnipresent plastic containers, known as “go-cups.” Indeed, go-cups are a New Orleans institution — and a common Mardi Gras throw. Don’t Get Caught Breaking Louisiana’s Strict Drinking Laws. Louisiana is well known for its rich culture and numerous attractions, but it also has some of the strictest drinking laws in the country. Many restaurants and bars in the state allow patrons aged 18 and up to drink, despite the fact that the legal drinking age is 21. The purchase ABITA BREWING COMPANY® BEER OF MARDI GRAS 2025 . Please Enter Your Birthdate - *Must be of legal drinking age to Enter. * The Mardi Gras Punch is a bold and flavorful party drink, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a crowd. Inspired by the classic Hurricane, this punch blends light and dark rum with vibrant citrus flavors and passion fruit juice, creating a rich, tropical base with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness. The flavorful foods and brightly colored buildings and decorations in the French Quarter of New Orleans certainly aren’t the only things that draw in crowds for celebrating Mardi Gras. Enter, Mardi Gras drinks. While these festive libations can be sipped and slugged year round, most of them aren’t part of the classic cocktail roundup. Plan The Mardi Gras themed bar crawl kicks off around 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at The Stretch. Mardi Pardi is free to attend, but you must be 21 years of age. Stay Connected. Like Us. Follow Us Please Enter Your Birthdate - *Must be of legal drinking age to Enter. * + Carnival's newest ship to their new XL-class, Mardi Gras® is the greenest cruise ship in North America, the first to be powered by clean-burning liquefied natural gas (or “LNG”). This ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun. When Californian's and people around the world celebrate/observe holidays in March: Dates for Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent and St. Patrick's Day The 63rd Annual Saddle Tramp Riders Club/Church Point Courir de Mardi Gras will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Our full day event is one fluid route, but is comprised of a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras (Country Route) (8am-1:00pm),and a Parade down Main Street in the Town of Church Point (1pm-3:30pm). The Courir will stop at several Farmhouses along the route to collect ingredients for New Orleans is a 24 hour city with an open container law. The drinking age is 21. The police are tolerant of drinking in public in the French Quarter as long as you do not have an open can or glass container. Bars and restaurants will give you a plastic "go cup" when you leave their establishment. -New Orleans Police Department online 18 Traditional (& Not-So-Traditional!) New Orleans Cocktails To Make During Mardi Gras
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