ID Requirements when buying alcohol

Question

We had a brilliant time visiting NOLA for the first time recently. One thing that puzzled us was the seemingly different approach to ID requirements when buying alcohol. During our road trip we'd been asked for ID in stores in other states, which we found amusing (we're both in our 60's). On each occasion a UK driving licence was accepted as proof of age.

But NOLA was the only place we were asked for ID in bars and restaurants. And there didn't seem to be any consistency. Some [laces (including Jazzfest) didn't ask for any ID. One restaurant accepted a UK driving licence - but as my wife didn't have hers on her they wouldn't serve her alcohol. Then on our final night, we sat down in a restaurant and when asked for ID we showed our driving licences only to be told that a passport was needed. I mean, who would risk carrying their passport on a night out in the FQ? So we left (amicably I should add).

What I don't get is what the jeopardy here is for the establishment. We're clearly not underage. But we were told by one server "I could get fined $500". So do the police ever go into restaurants and ask to see everybody's ID?

Answer

It’s great that you had a wonderful time in New Orleans, though I can understand your frustration with the varying ID requirements when purchasing alcohol! Louisiana, like many other states, has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, and the policies around ID verification can vary widely between establishments. Here's some context that might help explain the inconsistency you experienced:

First, it's important to note that the law in Louisiana, as in many states, requires that anyone purchasing alcohol must be able to prove they are at least 21 years old. The type of identification required, however, can depend on the individual establishment, and that's where the inconsistency comes in. Generally, U.S. bars and restaurants will accept a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, but some places may be more cautious or specific in their requirements due to the risk of fines and penalties.

Why the inconsistency? The laws around serving alcohol can be strict, and businesses have a lot of liability on the line. Employees at bars and restaurants can face hefty fines (sometimes up to $500 or more) if they serve alcohol to someone who is underage or doesn't have the proper identification. This is especially true in tourist-heavy areas like the French Quarter, where the local authorities may be more vigilant. Some servers and bartenders are overly cautious to avoid any chance of breaking the law, which can lead to the inconsistency you experienced.
Risk of fines: The $500 fine mentioned by the server you spoke with is real—establishments can be penalized for serving alcohol to minors, and bartenders or servers can even face penalties if they don’t properly check ID. The law doesn’t just apply to the customer; it holds the business and its employees accountable too.
ID requirements for foreigners: While a UK driving license is generally accepted in most places in the U.S. as proof of age, some places—especially in tourist areas like New Orleans—may be more stringent and require a passport, particularly for foreign visitors. This is due to a concern that foreign driver’s licenses may not always be familiar to staff, or they may not have features that make it easy for bartenders to determine if the ID is legitimate. A passport is a more universally accepted form of identification, though I understand that carrying it around on a night out isn’t always practical.

As for whether the police ever come into bars or restaurants to check IDs, it is possible, but it’s relatively rare. However, local authorities in New Orleans may perform random compliance checks, especially in areas like the French Quarter where there is heavy foot traffic and a high concentration of tourists. These checks can lead to fines for establishments that fail to properly verify the age of their patrons, which is why some businesses adopt more strict ID policies, even if it seems inconsistent.

In short, while the inconsistencies you encountered might seem frustrating, they are largely due to the risk of penalties for businesses and staff. Some establishments may be more lenient, while others, especially those with a higher risk of inspection, may be more strict in following the letter of the law. Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion for customers like yourself, but it’s all about the business protecting itself from potential fines or legal issues.

If you're in New Orleans again, it may be worth carrying your passport or asking about the specific ID requirements before sitting down, especially in more tourist-heavy areas. Enjoy the rest of your travels!