Louisiana Special Event Liquor Permit: Cost, Rules & How to Apply
Quick answer
In Louisiana, alcohol at a one-off public or fundraising event is covered by the ATC Special Event Permit, open to type A: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6) or 501(c)(8) tax-exempt organizations; Type B: other non-profit organizations; Type C: all other persons or organizations. It costs Type B (non-profit) $10; Type C (all others) $100 and should be filed at least 10 days before the event. The limit is 12 a year.
General information from the state's published rules, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency before your event.
Permit at a glance
- Permit name
- ATC Special Event Permit
- Official source
- atc.louisiana.gov State agency (atc.louisiana.gov)
- Fee
- Type B (non-profit) $10; Type C (all others) $100
- Apply at least
- 10 days before
- Annual limit
- 12 a year
- Nonprofits only
- No
- Last verified
- Apr 18, 2026
Who it covers
Who can apply in Louisiana.
Who can apply: Type A: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6) or 501(c)(8) tax-exempt organizations; Type B: other non-profit organizations; Type C: all other persons or organizations
Each permit covers up to 3 consecutive days; longer events need additional applications.
- Private property
- A special event permit is required on private property if alcohol is sold or served as part of a general admission or other fee.
How to apply
5 steps, in order.
- Get a local special event permit, or a letter from the local authority allowing alcohol service at the event.
- Get a signed and dated lease, contract or written permission from the property owner.
- Attach proof of tax-exempt or non-profit status if applying as Type A or B.
- Complete and notarize the application and include the fee (money order, cashier's check or certified check) for Type B or C.
- Submit the application at least 10 days before the event.
Neighbors
How Louisiana compares.
| State | Fee | Lead time | Nonprofit only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Type B (non-profit) $10; Type C (all others) $100 | 10 days | No |
| Arkansas | $50 per permit | 21 days | Yes |
| Mississippi | $35 | — | Yes |
Nationally
Where Louisiana ranks.
Louisiana asks for 10 days of notice. Of the 24 states that publish a deadline, 16 require more notice and 3 require less (business days counted as calendar weeks).
Across the border
What changes next door.
- Louisiana lets more than nonprofits apply; Arkansas does not.
- Less notice is required than in Arkansas (10 days here, 21 days there).
- Louisiana lets more than nonprofits apply; Mississippi does not.
Also needed in Louisiana
Training and liability.
Server training
Mandatory in Louisiana. Applies to: managers, servers/sellers (Both establishments; Both licensees). APIS data as of 1/1/2025. APIS minimum ages (on-premises): serve beer/wine/spirits 18/18/18, bartend 18/18/18.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
How far in advance do I apply in Louisiana?
At least 10 days before the event, according to atc.louisiana.gov. Apply earlier if local approvals are needed.
Is there a yearly limit on event permits in Louisiana?
Yes: 12 a year for the main permit type.
Next steps
Related.
Sources
- Louisiana — ATC Special Event Permit · State agency (atc.louisiana.gov), checked Apr 18, 2026
- Louisiana — server training · Federal summary (NIAAA APIS), checked Jul 29, 2026
General information, not legal advice.