Yes the police enforce the underage drinking laws, and if you are obviously underage and run into any of the of state cops you will definitely have trouble. Yes, bartenders will ask to see ID if you look young. Some people manage to slip through, but in general they need their jobs and aren t looking to help out an underage drinker at the risk of being fired. Most of the bartenders in the Quarter have a good deal of street smarts combined with a healthy dose of common sense and personality. In other words they are hired on their ability to mix drinks, be friendly, and ability to know when to say no to avoid a problem for their employer. I would suggest instead of hanging out on Bourbon hoping for alcohol, head over to where the locals catch parades. It s the real thing instead of the tourist stuff on Bourbon and that way you can say you did the real Mardi Gras thing. Before I sound too prudish, I will offer some tips: Having a legal age friend helps. It s more fun to wander about on the street with brief bar visits for a bathroom. There are undercover cops all over Bourbon and they are stationed on top floors of buildings with binoculars observe the crowd s behavior so Bourbon is not a good place to break the law. If caught flashing you will get a warning and if caught again you will get the paddy wagon. Put your money and ID in your front pocket, pick pockets love it when you put your stuff in the back pocket. Many bars admit 18-20 yr olds, but don t serve them alcohol. Avoid the angry preachers and their hecklers, angry drunks, and getting suckered into a bet with the panhandlers, (you ve got your shoes on your feet). If you find yourself getting irritated with the crowd on Bourbon head to Jackson Square for a breather.
When i was younger i got 2 drinking citations from undercover cops for drinking a beer and one was holding a beer i had not taken any sips. So you can get tickets for drinking and possession underage. One was my junior year and one was my senior year. Both were at a bar during Mardi gras. But it was a bar uptown not in the quarter. So be careful. They have undercover cops that will card you. I would walk around with cups that do not show what is in them. I would just be careful. We got away with a lot but sometimes you don t. there isn t really any place you will be safe from cops. You either get away with it or you don t.Some bars on bourbon might be easier to get a drink but they are so trashy and nasty. I hate them.
Some bars card and some don t.Its a craps shoot, really. Just try your luck and stay in the bar that gives you drinks. Most bars check IDs at the doors. If they don t, your chance will be much better.And the cops are usually more worried about flashers and people starting fights.Just do this: if one of your friends is 21, get them to buy your drinks while you stay out of sight of the bartender. That, or flirt with a nice guy, and get him to buy your drinks, lolGood luck, and I hope you stay safe if/when you get thoroughly sh*t faced!