RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 212 (HB 343) 2015 Regular Session Hazel
Existing law (R.S. 14:93.12) prohibits the "public possession" of any alcoholic beverage by
any person under 21 years of age.
Existing law (R.S. 14:93.10) defines "public possession" as the possession of any alcoholic
beverage for any reason, including consumption, on any street, highway, or waterway or in
any public place or any place open to the public, including a club which is de facto open to
the public. However, prior law provided that "public possession" does not include the
possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage:
(1)For an established religious purpose.
(2)When a person under 21 years of age is accompanied by a parent, spouse, or legal
guardian 21 years of age or older.
(3)For medical purposes when purchased as an over the counter medication, or when
prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, pharmacist, dentist, nurse,
hospital, or medical institution.
(4)In private residences.
New law retains prior law and provides that for these purposes a "private residence" includes
a residential dwelling and up to 20 contiguous acres, on which the dwelling is located, owned
by the same person who owns the dwelling.
Effective August 1, 2015.
(Amends R.S. 14:93.10(2)(a)(iv))