Parish Ordinances
Sec. 2.4-34. – Hours of sale and consumption on licensed premises restricted.
The sale of all alcoholic beverages, whether defined as “malt beverages” or “liquors,” and the consumption of said beverages on any premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages under the provisions of this article are both prohibited within the City of DeRidder from the hours of 12:00 midnight until 8:00 a.m. each weekday and from Saturday at 12:00 midnight until the following Monday at 8:00 a.m.
Sec. 2.4-71. – Weekday hours.
It shall be unlawful for any person(s), firm, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, including private club(s) known as BYOB (“bring your own bottle” or “bring your own booze”), establishments to allow the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises, during the period from 12:00 midnight on any weekday night until 8:00 a.m. the following morning, anywhere within the corporate limits of the City of DeRidder, Louisiana.
(Ord. No. 1487, § 1, 12-5-05)
Sec. 2.4-72. – Weekend hours.
It shall be unlawful for any person(s), firm, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, including private club(s) known as BYOB (“bring your own bottle” or “bring your own booze”), to allow the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises, during the period from 12:00 midnight on Saturday until 8:00 a.m. the following Monday morning, anywhere within the corporate limits of the City of DeRidder, Louisiana.
(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 12-5-05)
Parish Ordinances
Sec. 6-2. – Hours of sale.
(a)
No person shall sell alcoholic beverages, including but not limited to wine, beer or liquor, and no establishment whose principal business is the sale of alcoholic beverages shall open for any purpose from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
(b)
This section may be suspended from time to time, upon application by any interested party to the mayor and board of aldermen. The application should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date on which the party desires suspension of this section.
(Ord. No. 1984-15, 10-3-84; Ord. No. 1991-1A, 1-8-91; Ord. of 2-9-99; Ord. No. 05-07-A, 5-15-07)
State law reference— Prohibited acts regarding alcoholic beverages, R.S. 26:90, 26:91; low-alcoholic beverages, R.S. 26:286, 26:287.
City and local ordinances may limit the actions of an alcoholic beverage server/seller or may provide additional rules that govern this type of transaction. Please check with your local authorities or government bodies to ensure that you are following the local laws and are in compliance with any requirements that they have set forth. Generally, local laws and ordinances are in line with the state’s rules but may further restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages to certain days and/or hours. They may also limit the location and other variables such as seller’s age, package contents, etc. Also remember that their laws are not limited to the sale of alcoholic beverage products. Tobacco products, including CBD, may also be covered in the local ordinances. The list of local ordinances provided by ABSEC is based upon the ordinances published by the individual parishes, cities and towns, and may not be current. It is recommended that you verify the accuracy of the information presented on this website prior to the sale of any alcohol or tobacco/CBD product.
If you have any questions about an issue or situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local authority and/or the Louisiana ATC for further clarification.
ABSEC LLC is also available should you have any additional questions or simply wish to get some guidance on a particular scenario or situation. We have assembled a team of subject matter experts in this area and have experience in a large majority of the situations in which you may have questions. Please use our contact us page to submit a message. A response can be expected within one business day.
Parish Ordinances
Sec. 3-5. – Building, location, zoning and parking requirements.
(a) Building requirements.
(1) Failure to acquire and maintain a valid health permit for any premises licensed under this chapter or violation of or noncompliance with any applicable fire prevention, building, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning codes shall be cause for denial, revocation or suspension of any permit or license hereunder. Reinstatement of any such license, application or permit shall not be considered by the council until same receives notification from the proper authority that said violation or noncompliance has been corrected. In the case of new construction of a proposed licensed location, a certificate of occupancy shall be required before final issuance of a license or permit.
(2) In the event that premises licensed hereunder are destroyed by fire or any natural disaster or act of God, the licensee shall be permitted a reasonable time within which to reconstruct the licensed premises, but in no event longer than twenty-four (24) months, unless further extended by the council.
(b) Location. No license or permit shall be granted hereunder to any applicant when the property upon which the business is to be conducted is within a radius of three hundred (300) feet of any property used exclusively as a regular church or synagogue, public library, school or orphan’s home (except a school for business education conducted as a business college or school and except a state college or university), or within a radius of three hundred (300) feet of a public playground or park, which three-hundred-foot minimum distance is measured as a person walks using the sidewalk from the nearest point of the property line of the church, synagogue, public library, public playground, park, or school to the nearest point of the property line of the premises to be licensed, except that:
(1) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to premises which are maintained as a bona fide hotel, wholesale dealer, railway car or fraternal organization.
(2) This subsection (b) shall not apply to any premises which currently holds a license to deal in alcoholic beverages, as defined by this chapter, and which held that license at the time of the creation of any of the structures of institutions listed in this subpart. The governing authority may continue to grant permits to sell alcoholic beverages at these existing locations, even if they are within the prohibited three-hundred-foot radius if such place of business was in existence and operation at the time of the creation or construction of the listed structures or institutions and has not been continuously closed for operation for a period of time in excess of six (6) months.
(3) The provisions of this subsection (b) shall not apply if the applicant for the permit obtains the approval of three-fourths of those required to give approval by signature as provided in this chapter and as certified by the civil engineer designated by the mayor.
(Ord. No. 92-01, 1-7-92; Ord. No. 92-03, 1-21-92; Ord. No. 95-04, 2-7-95)
Sec. 3-6. – Hours of operation.
(a) The hours of operation for all class A, B and R license holders shall be from 5:00 a.m. daily until 2:00 a.m. for the following day for each and every day of operation. It shall be a criminal offense, as well as a violation of this chapter, for any holder of such a retail dealer’s license/permit issued under this chapter, or a servant, agent or employee of same, to dispense, in any manner, alcoholic beverages between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. of any day.
(b) (1) All stores, shops, saloons or any other place of business licensed under this chapter shall be closed continuously during the designated closing times listed in the preceding paragraph of this section. During the prohibited periods, no open containers, glasses, bottles, cans or other containers holding alcoholic beverages shall be allowed anywhere on the licensed premises or property, except in a locked cabinet or cupboard; provided, that those businesses maintaining separate rooms for the conduct of business of dealing in alcoholic beverages may close and lock said separate rooms. Proof of the finding of any open container holding alcoholic beverages at any other place in the licensed premises during the prohibited periods shall result in a presumption that some of the contents of the container were consumed on the licensed premises on the date found and during the prohibited period and shall further result in a presumption that the contents of the container were sold by the license/permit holder, his manager, agent, servant or employee on the date found.
(2) The term “open container,” as used in this section, shall include, but not be restricted to, any vessel or container of alcoholic beverages which is open in any manner that would permit the contents to be consumed or poured or any container upon which the seal has been broken and the contents exposed to the air. The term “closed,” as used in this section or elsewhere in this chapter, shall mean that the entire licensed building shall be locked, that all lights shall be out, that no person shall be inside of said premises and that no dispensing or consumption of any alcoholic beverages shall take place on the subject property.
(Ord. No. 86-07, 10-21-86; Ord. No. 87-05, 3-17-87; Ord. No. 91-13, 10-1-91; Ord. No. 05-05, 11-1-05)
Parish Ordinances
Sec. 3-7. – Zoning laws not affected; no permit granted in violation thereof.
No provision of this chapter shall be construed as modifying, amending, repealing or otherwise affecting any of the provisions of the zoning ordinance of the municipality; and no permit shall be issued to, and no alcoholic beverages shall be sold at, any place or establishment where such sale or possession for sale is not permitted under such zoning ordinance.
Sec. 3-10. – Prohibition of possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and in public places.
(a)
Definitions: For the purpose of this section, the following terms shall have the respective meaning ascribed to them:
(1)
Alcoholic beverages: Any liquid, or any solid capable of being converted into fluid, suitable for human consumption, and containing more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume, including malt, vinous, spirituous, alcohol or intoxicating liquors, beer, porter, ale, stout, fruit juices, cider and wine.
(2)
Private motor vehicles: Any motorized vehicle regardless of the number of wheels said vehicle is mounted on.
(3)
Sidewalks, grounds, streets, parks, highways and parking lots: Any public sidewalk, public grounds, public street, public park, public highway, or public parking lots within the Town of Farmerville; any privately owned parking lots within the Town of Farmerville wherein parking is allowed with charge; and public or private school parking lots, within the Town of Farmerville.
(4)
Open container: Any container or receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, wherein the seal or stamp has been broken, or any container, bottle or can containing alcoholic beverages that has been open subsequent to the filling of such container by the manufactory, brewery or distillery of such alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages contained in drinking glasses, cups, including plastic glasses and styrofoam cups, regardless of whether such container has a top affixed thereto, shall be deemed an open container.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to drink, consume or possess alcoholic beverages in an open container in any motor vehicle when such vehicle is upon the sidewalks, grounds, streets, parks, highways and parking lots, as defined above within the Town of Farmerville.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any private motor vehicle or the driver, if the owner is not then present in the motor vehicle, to knowingly keep or allow to be kept in a private motor vehicle when such is upon the sidewalks, grounds, streets, parks, highways or parking lots of the Town of Farmerville as defined above, any alcoholic beverage in an open container. This provision shall not apply to alcoholic beverages possessed in the trunk of the motor vehicle, and shall not apply to alcoholic beverages possessed in motor vehicles that are not equipped with a trunk, provided that the alcoholic beverage is in some other area of the motor vehicle not normally occupied by the driver or passengers. A utility compartment or glove compartment shall be deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver and the passenger.
(d)
No person shall drink, consume or possess any alcoholic beverages in an open container on any sidewalks, streets, grounds, parks, highways, or parking lots in the Town of Farmerville as defined above.
(e)
Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted so as to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages by any holder of a valid liquor license as issued by the State of Louisiana or the Town of Farmerville, whether such sale is by individual container or otherwise.
(f)
Whoever violates the provision of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500.00, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 60 days or both such fine and imprisonment, within the discretion of the court.
(g)
If any provision or item of this section or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this section are hereby declared severable.
(Ord. No. 6-86, 8-11-86)
Sec. 3-50. – Closing hours—Specified; compliance.
(a)
All places of business where alcoholic beverages are kept, sold, stored for sale at retail, including without limitation thereto, convenience stores, grocery stores and any other retail establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold, stored for sale at retail, shall cease the sale of all alcoholic beverages from 12:00 midnight Saturday until 2:00 p.m. Sunday.
(b)
All places operated as a bottle club, private club, or business where alcoholic beverages are kept, sold, stored for sale, served or consumed, including without limitation thereto, cabarets, nightclubs, road houses, saloons, and public dance halls where alcoholic beverages are sold, stored for sale at retail, served or consumed, shall close their places of business at 2:00 a.m. and remain so closed until 6:00 a.m. of the following morning, except that they shall be closed from 2:00 a.m. Sunday until 6:00 a.m. of the following Monday morning; and, during the hours when same shall be closed, all business activities on the premises shall cease.
(Code 1964, § 3-18; Ord. No. 4-74, 4-30-74; Ord. No. 01-03, 6-9-2003; Ord. No. 03-05, 3-14-2005; Ord. No. 03-09, 6-9-2009)
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Parish Ordinances
Sec. 4-3. Closing hours.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any outlet which sells or dispenses alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to remain open for business between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on any day of the week, including, but not limited to, Saturdays and Sundays. Any such outlet shall close at or before 2:00 a.m. on every day of the week, including, but not limited to, Saturdays and Sundays, and shall not reopen for business until 9:00 a.m.
(b) In order to promote the safety and welfare of the citizens of the parish, it shall be unlawful for any person or any agent, representative or employee acting on behalf of such person, to sell, donate, serve or dispense liquors and/or alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption or to allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed on any premises occupied, leased, owned or in any way under the direct or indirect control of such person or any agent, representative or employee acting on behalf of such person, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on any day of the week, including, but not limited to, Saturdays and Sundays. This section shall apply to all premises except private residences which are used twenty-four (24) hours a day exclusively as an inhabited dwelling and for no other purpose.
(c) In addition to the penalties provided for in section 4-2, any violation of this section shall be grounds for a suspension or revocation of the license or permit to sell at retail alcoholic beverages in this parish, and the parish government may suspend or revoke licenses or permits to retail dealers for any violation of this section in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 33:4785 through 33:4788.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-2; Ord. No. 4493, 5-23-90)
Sec. 4-5. Open containers.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, disburse or permit the sale or disbursement of alcoholic beverages in an open container for consumption off the licensed premises, or to furnish open containers to patrons for the intent and purpose of removal and consumption of alcoholic beverages off the licensed premises.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-4)
Sec. 4-33. Open containers in outdoor areas prohibited.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess an open container, as defined in section 4-1 herein, on the outside premises of any outlet licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to a bona fide patio area or clearly designated outside facility established by the outlet to serve alcoholic beverages. This exception, however, shall not apply to the parking lot, street front or similar areas surrounding an outlet.
(c) The owner of any outlet licensed pursuant to this chapter shall post a sign notifying customers that it is unlawful for any person to possess an open container of alcoholic beverage on the outside premises of the outlet; however, the lack of such a sign shall not exculpate any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this section.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply along the route of a parade which has been permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Code during the times of such parade.
(e) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or serve up to thirty (30) days in the parish jail, or both, at the discretion of the court.
(Ord. No. 4932, 10-14-92)
Sec. 4-52. New employee shall obtain, when.
New employees hired to sell or dispense alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall secure a certificate of qualification pursuant to the provisions of this article within five (5) days of their employment.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-19)
State law reference— Duty of employers of minors to procure employment certificates, R.S. 23:182.
Sec. 4-54. Application.
An application for a certificate of qualification shall be in writing and sworn to and shall contain the following information:
(1) The full name, sex, date and place of birth, and the marital status of the applicant.
(2) The address of the applicant.
(3) The name of the place of business of the applicant’s present employment, the name of the employer, and the address of the place of employment.
(4) The name, address and the period of his employment at the last two (2) places of employment.
(5) A sworn statement that the applicant possesses the qualifications set forth in this article.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-21)
State law reference— Applications for employment certificates for minors, R.S. 23:184.
Sec. 4-55. Qualifications.
Each applicant for a certificate of qualification to dispense alcoholic beverages shall possess the following qualifications. He:
(1) Is a person of good character and reputation and over eighteen (18) years of age.
(2) Is a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state.
(3) Has not been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, the state or any other state or country.
(4) Has not been convicted in this or in any other state, or by the United States or any other country, of soliciting for prostitution, pandering, letting premises for prostitution, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, keeping a disorderly place, or illegally dealing in narcotics.
(5) Has not had a license or permit to sell or deal in alcoholic beverages issued by the United States, any state, or by any political subdivision of a state authorized to issue permits or licenses, revoked within two (2) years prior to the application, or been convicted or had a judgment of court rendered against the applicant involving alcoholic beverages by this or any other state, or by the United States, for two (2) years prior to the application.
(6) Has not been adjudged by the state commissioner of alcoholic beverage control, or convicted by a court, of violating any of the provisions of R.S. Title 26
(7) Has not been convicted of violating any municipal or parish ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 26:493.
(8) Has not had a certificate of qualification to dispense alcoholic beverages issued by any other parish, municipality or state suspended or revoked.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-22; Ord. No. 4563, 10-10-90; Ord. No. 5312, § I, 9-28-94)
State law reference— Requirements for issuance of employment certificates for minors, R.S. 23:184.
Sec. 4-56. Photographing and fingerprinting of applicants.
Each applicant for a certificate of qualification to dispense alcoholic beverages in an outlet licensed for on-premises consumption shall be photographed and fingerprinted by the sheriff’s office or the Houma police department.
(Parish Code 1979, § 4-23)
State law reference— Use of passport, etc., in application process for employment certificates for minors, R.S. 23:184.
