"To go cups and other drinking facts" Drinking Tip by goodfish

It's all true. New Orleans bars have no mandatory closing times so anybody who wants to can pretty much find a place to party 24 hours a day. Not that I recommend it. You can also drink in the streets as long as it's out of a plastic container. All of the bars have a stack of plastic cups by the door or on the bar so if you want to change venues just grab one, pour your drink in and go. Many places serve in plastic to begin with to make get-aways even quicker. It's not always OK to take a drink from one establishment into another - there's usually a sign outside the bar if this is the case. Alcohol can also be purchased on Sundays.

The drinking age is 21 and they will card you if you look anywhere close to underage. The Quarter (especially Bourbon Street) is patrolled and they have a low tolerance for public intoxication beyond reason. Granted, "reasonable" probably has a whole different definition in New Orleans than in other cities but don't expect to relieve yourself in the gutters, pick a fight, pass out in the middle of the street or otherwise make a real nuisance of yourself without intervention. They also have strict OMVI laws so pocket your car keys and take a cab if you've had too much.

While many of the bars don't have cover charges, a one-drink minumum is mandatory. If you wander in just to catch some live music, they will likely ask you to order up. Same applies to use of restroom facilities - they are reserved for customers only so you may be asked to place an order or go elsewhere.

Website: http://www.experienceneworleans.com