I know Pat O`Brien is very strict when it comes to enforcing her age rules up to 21, even when entering the premises. As for the under-21s, who are allowed to drink when their parents buy alcohol, I do not know. As far as I know, the legal drinking age is 21 in the United States. I imagine that in New Orleans, it is simply overlooked, but not necessarily legal, for those under 21 to drink alcohol purchased by a parent. Gyms – Most hotels have at least one nominal fitness center. Some offer day passes to local gyms. Alternatively, day workout passes can be purchased at two Downtown Fitness (www.downtownfitnesscenter.com) locations near the French Quarter and Bywater (333 Canal Place, 3rd floor; 504/525-2956; or 2372 Saint-Claude Avenue; 504/754-1101). The historic and elaborate New Orleans Athletic Club features a fabulous indoor pool, library, and bar (222 N. Rampart St.; www.neworleansathleticclub.com; 504/525-2375). Hilton New Orleans Riverside`s huge health club has two pools, as well as tennis, squash, and racquetball for an additional fee (2 Poydras St.; www.thehealthclub.us; 504/556-3742). Members of the Anytime Fitness chain can find several locations in the city. Underage drinking is very common in Louisiana and the United States in general. Statistics show that 58% of American teens have drunk at least one alcoholic beverage by the age of 18.
To some extent, drinking and New Orleans are practically synonymous. Mardi Gras is fast approaching and New Orleans is gearing up for the biggest party of the year. People from all over the world will flock to Crescent City to participate in the celebrations and debauchery. Newspapers and magazines – The city has two local newspapers: The Advocate (www.theadvocate.com/neworleans); and the Times-Picayune (www.nola.com). Offbeat (www.offbeat.com) and Where Y` at (www.whereyat.com) are monthly entertainment guides featuring live music, art, and special events. Both are usually found in hotels and clubs and become rare towards the end of the month. Gambit Weekly (www.bestofneworleans.com), published every Sunday, is the city`s free alternative newspaper, offering a good mix of local news and entertainment information. Whether you`ve just come to Jefferson or New Orleans on vacation, or you`re moving permanently to the state of Louisiana, you need to learn about underage drinking laws to make sure you`re not breaking the rules. Although Louisiana is less strict than other places when it comes to alcohol, law enforcement officials still punish transgressions. Minors caught drinking may be asked to leave the premises and may be charged with possession of alcohol. Information for visitors – Even an experienced traveler should consider contacting the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2020 St.
Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 (www.neworleans.com; [Tel.] 800/672-6124 or 504/566-5011; Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.). The friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have a particular interest, they will help you plan your visit – it is certainly one of the most useful tourist centers of all major cities. If you enjoy music and cocktails in the French Quarter, you`ll find a few bars and clubs on Bourbon Street that offer two-for-one or three-for-one deals on beer bottles. Whether you`re drinking beer, wine, a hurricane, or any other favorite in the French Quarter, you`ll need to have it in a plastic jar as you travel through the French Quarter. However, don`t rush to drink your cocktails before leaving a bar. Your waiter or bartender will be happy to offer you a plastic cup to take away.
Also, keep an eye out for places where you can go to a window and order a drink. These installations are aimed at pedestrians, so they serve all plastic. LGBTQ travelers – New Orleans is a very welcoming city with a large and active LGBTQ community and many specific events that the community attends. For resources, start with Ambush Magazine, 828-A Bourbon St. (www.ambushmag.com). Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church, 5401 S. Claiborne Avenue (www.MCCNewOrleans.org; 504/270-1622), serves a predominantly gay and lesbian community. The website offers www.gayneworleans.com information about hotels, restaurants, art and nightlife. The local Lesbian and Gay Community Center (www.facebook.com/lgbtccno; www.lgbtccneworleans.org) lists events and information on its websites. For more resources, see www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/lgbt/lgbt_organizations. „The Twirl“, a historic gay walking tour of the French Quarter by G L-f de Villiers Tours, is highly recommended.
See also recommended night (and day) clubbing. Louisiana`s open container law is simple when motor vehicles are involved, but it gets more complicated when you walk around in public. Technically, Louisiana doesn`t have laws banning open containers, but you`ll find that most places you visit in Louisiana don`t allow alcohol consumption on the street. New Orleans City Ordinances dictate the rules for drinking alcohol in public. These include: While you can drink anything you want on the streets of the French Quarter, you still need to control your behavior. If your free alcohol gets too rowdy, you`ll end up with a quote. (In this context, public urination is one of the most cited crimes during Carnival, so even if you drink outside, relieve yourself inside.) However, the rules are much stricter for people under the age of 21. Pollen, sunshine, uneven sidewalks, excessive indulgence, and mosquitoes (especially near swamps and bayous) are the most common medical nuisances. Packaging insect repellents, sunscreen, protective clothing, digestive aids and antihistamines can help prevent minor health problems.
