Louisiana Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

Louisiana, famous for its vibrant culture and Mardi Gras celebrations, is also renowned for its contributions to cocktail history particularly the Sazerac, often considered America’s first cocktail. Louisiana distilleries are crafting an impressive variety of spirits, including rum, whiskey, and vodka, often drawing inspiration from the state’s French, Spanish, and Creole influences.

Louisiana’s approach to alcohol regulation also reflects its cultural tradition in many ways. The state allows for “go-cups” , permitting consumers to take their alcoholic beverages to go in an open container, a practice that’s illegal in most other states. This unique regulatory environment contributes to Louisiana’s reputation as a premier destination for food and drink enthusiasts.

We’ve prepared a guide to the Louisiana market which covers the following topics:

• Consumption trends
• The most popular alcohol categories
• Local guidelines

As of 2023, Louisiana has an approximate population of 4.5 million people with 3.3 million of them within the legal drinking age bracket.

If you need help establishing your presence in this market, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.

At Park Street, we can help anyone looking to enter the market or expand their services in Louisiana.

Consumption Trends In Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the most attractive markets in south across all categories. In 2023, there were 4.7 million 9L cases of spirits sold, along with 3.2 million cases, and 44.8 million cases of beer. Below you will find some charts displaying the volume growth for beer, wine, and spirits over a five-year period.

Louisiana Spirits Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Louisiana Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Louisiana Beer Consumption from 2018-2022 by 9-Liter Cases

Louisiana State Alcohol Licensing

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) is the primary governing body overseeing and enforcing alcohol regulations in the state. This agency is responsible for licensing, enforcement, and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations across all tiers of the alcohol industry.

Louisiana operates under a three-tier system of alcohol distribution, consisting of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. However, Louisiana’s licensing structure offers some unique features and flexibilities.

In-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

• Manufacturer’s Permit (Class B): This permit is the foundation for spirits production in Louisiana, allowing for the manufacture and bottling of distilled spirits. However, it’s important to note that this permit alone does not grant the right to sell directly to consumers.
• Class D Permit (Micro-distillery): This specialized permit caters to smaller producers, allowing for the production of up to 12,000 gallons of distilled spirits per year. This provision helps foster craft distilling in the state.

Wine

• Manufacturer’s Permit (Class B): This permit authorizes wine production within Louisiana, supporting the state’s growing wine industry.

Beer

• Manufacturer’s Permit (Class A): This permit allows for beer production in Louisiana, supporting the state’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
• Brewer’s Self-Distribution Permit: This unique permit allows small breweries (producing less than 12,500 barrels per year) to self-distribute their products. This provision is particularly beneficial for craft breweries looking to establish a local presence without immediately needing to secure a distribution deal.

Out-of-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

• Alcohol Wholesaler/Importer Permit (Class A): This permit is crucial for out-of-state businesses looking to sell spirits to wholesalers or retailers in Louisiana. It’s important to note that a Louisiana-based wholesale partner is necessary, as direct-to-consumer shipping of spirits is not permitted in the state.
• Certificate of Authority to Ship: This certificate is required for out-of-state manufacturers or distributors shipping spirits into Louisiana, ensuring regulatory oversight of incoming products.
• Out-of-State Supplier Permit: This permit caters to producers without a physical presence in Louisiana who wish to sell their products in the state.

Wine & Beer

• Out-of-State Wine or Beer Producer/Supplier Permit: This permit allows out-of-state manufacturers to sell their wine or beer products to licensed Louisiana wholesalers for distribution within the state.
• Wholesaler/Importer Permit (Class A or B): Required for shipping wine or beer into Louisiana for sale through a licensed distributor or wholesaler.
• Certificate of Authority to Ship: Similar to spirits, this certificate is necessary for out-of-state wine or beer suppliers to legally ship their products to Louisiana-based wholesalers.
• Direct Wine Shipper Permit: In a notable departure from spirits regulations, Louisiana allows limited direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping for wine. Out-of-state wineries can apply for this permit to ship up to 12 cases (144 bottles) of wine per adult resident per year directly to consumers within Louisiana.

Louisiana State Alcohol Regulations

Price Posting

Louisiana does not require price posting at the wholesale or retail level. This allows for more dynamic pricing strategies in the market.

State Excise Tax per Gallon

Louisiana’s excise tax structure is tiered based on alcohol content and beverage type:

• Wine 14% ABV and under: $0.20/Liter
• Wine 14.1 – 24% ABV: $0.35/Liter
• Wine over 24% ABV: $0.55/Liter
• Sparkling Wine: $0.55/Liter
• Carb. Wine: $0.55/Liter
• Distilled Spirits: $0.80/Liter
• Malt Beverages 6% ABV and under: $12.50/Barrel
• Cider 6% ABV and less: $12.50/Barrel
• Cider over 6% ABV: $0.20/Liter

Brand/Label Registration

All alcoholic beverage products sold in Louisiana must be registered with the state. The fee is $5.00 per unique Certificate of Label Approval (COLA). This requirement ensures that all products meet state and federal labeling standards.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales

Louisiana’s approach to direct-to-consumer sales varies significantly by beverage type, reflecting a nuanced regulatory approach.
Wine

• Louisiana allows direct-to-consumer shipping of wine from out-of-state producers and retailers, with some restrictions.
• Shippers must obtain both an Authority to Ship from the Louisiana Department of Revenue and a Direct Wine Shipper permit from the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
• This provision allows Louisiana residents access to a wider variety of wines while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Beer and Spirits

• Direct-to-consumer shipping of beer or spirits from out-of-state producers or retailers is not allowed in Louisiana.
• However, in-state breweries may be permitted to sell beer directly to consumers for on-premise consumption in taprooms or for off-premise consumption in limited quantities with the Brewer’s Self-Distribution Permit.

These regulations aim to support local producers while maintaining the traditional three-tier system for out-of-state products.

Delivery Regulations

Louisiana has adapted to changing consumer preferences by allowing certain alcohol delivery services:
Bars and Restaurants

• Restaurants may deliver beer, ready-to-drink beverages, still wine, and sparkling wine in manufacturer-sealed containers under certain conditions.
• Importantly, all orders of alcoholic beverages must also contain food, linking alcohol sales to food service.

Off-Premise Retailers

• Off-premise retailers can also make deliveries of alcoholic beverages under specific conditions.
• Deliveries must be made during normal operating hours by the licensee or its W-2 employees, ensuring accountability and age verification.

Louisana Spirits Volume By Category – 2023 Data

Spirit trends in Louisana by volume and dollar sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Louisiana Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

Wine trends in Louisiana by volume sales in 2023

Source: Beverage Information Group

Louisiana Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2022 Data

Beer trends in Louisiana by volume sales in 2022

Source: Beverage Information Group

FAQs on Louisiana Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Buying Alcohol In Louisiana – Hours, Locations & Taxes

Consumption of alcohol is high in Louisiana, so it would only make sense that the demand for understanding the laws when it comes to buying beer, wine, and spirits in the state is high in demand as well. Here are some answers to the most common questions we are asked regularly today.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Lousiana

(Data Sources – mass.gov, wikipedia.org)

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