Proposed Bill Would Raise Minimum Age to Enter Bar in Louisiana to 21

For many years now, it has been legal for 18 to 20-year-olds to enter a bar. If one Louisiana state senator gets her wish, this will change soon.

Louisiana State Senator Beth Mizell wants to raise the minimum age to enter a bar in Louisiana to 21.

In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to enter a bar. However, as we all know, in Louisiana the minimum age is 18, but they can't buy drinks.

After what happened to Madison Brooks after leaving Reggie's in Baton Rouge back in January, Mizell wants to change the attitude toward bars.

In a statement, Mizell said the following:

Madison’s death was a tragedy that never should have happened. Three of the assailants involved in this senseless act of violence were under 21 and should have been nowhere near the bar. We cannot allow this to happen again.

The proposed bill from Mizell has been coined the "Card 'Em Act," and it would align Louisiana with the rest of the country and ban anyone under the age of 21 to enter bars.

Senator Mizell further said, "We need to take strong action to prevent underage drinking and ensure that young adults in our community are safe. The “Card ‘Em Act” is a common-sense step that will help to prevent harm and save lives."

As part of the proposed new law, bars in violation could be fined anywhere between $50 and $15,000.

The debate on this and other bills will happen soon. Lawmakers return to the Louisiana State Capitol for the latest session on Monday, April 10.