The drinking laws in Las Vegas are fairly liberal when compared to many other large cities around the country. While gambling is without a doubt the number one activity that attracts people to Las Vegas, a legendary reputation for drinking and partying comes in a close second. In most places around town, it’s quite common to see people moving around with all types of alcoholic drinks in their hands. You might even see a few who are not moving so well because they’ve had too much to drink.
Las Vegas drinking laws are also very strictly enforced, perhaps because they are so liberal. Unfortunately, however, in a city with a reputation for celebrating everything in excess, drinking and alcohol are still the cause of many accidents and injuries all over Las Vegas.
An Overview Of Las Vegas Drinking Laws
When it comes to alcohol, Las Vegas laws permit many acts that would land a person in jail in most other places. Even so, most of the acts and behaviors that Las Vegas laws overlook are not dangerous in and of themselves. The problem is that we see plenty of accidents caused by people who let things get out of hand and pushed their drinking activities beyond what the law allows.
Las Vegas Open Container Alcohol Laws
In general, carrying an open container of alcohol and drinking in public is legal in Las Vegas. There are, however, some exceptions depending on where you are and what is going on. The most notable exception is that it is against the law to carry alcohol in an open glass container at any time.
The open container laws vary slightly between unincorporated Las Vegas, which includes the famous Vegas strip, and incorporated Las Vegas, which includes the downtown area. Anywhere within the city, it is illegal to carry an open container:
- Within 1,000 feet of where the alcohol was purchased if it was sold in a closed container
- At bus stops
- Within 1,000 feet of any places of worship, public or private schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, or withdrawal management centers.
In unincorporated Las Vegas, including the strip, pedestrians are allowed to walk with any open plastic, paper, or aluminum container of alcohol. Glass containers are always illegal and aluminum containers may be restricted during special events.
In incorporated Las Vegas, including the downtown area, pedestrians are also allowed to walk with any open plastic, paper, or aluminum container but it must have been purchased from a venue with a tavern license. Glass containers are always illegal and aluminum containers are also prohibited on the Fremont Street Experience.
Open Containers In Vehicles In Las Vegas
It is against the law to have an open container of alcohol of any kind in a vehicle or public transportation in Las Vegas. The only exception is some limousine and charter services which have special permits that allow for passengers to drink within the vehicle.
Being Drunk In Public In Las Vegas
Being drunk in public is not illegal in Las Vegas, which surprises many people. Police, however, can and will make arrests or issue citations for many behaviors that occur when someone is in public and has had too much to drink. It’s not uncommon at all for police to charge someone who is obviously drunk for breach of the peace, trespassing, jay-walking, or even public urination.
Las Vegas Drinking Laws Allow Selling Alcohol Around The Clock
Another thing that often surprises tourists about Las Vegas is that there are no time restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Bars, saloons, and taverns are allowed to stay open and serve alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Nevada. Stores can also sell closed containers of beer, wine, and liquor around the clock.
While many states restrict alcohol sales by time, day of the week, or even location, it is available anywhere, anytime in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas DUI Laws
As you would expect, drinking and driving in Las Vegas is a crime. Nevada state law prohibits someone from driving if they are obviously impaired because of alcohol consumption or have a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher.
A first and second DUI offense will be charged as a misdemeanor in Las Vegas if nobody is hurt in any type of accident. If someone is hurt in a DUI incident or a third offense is committed within seven years of the first, it will be charged as a felony.
Can I Sue Someone For Accidents Involving Drinking Or DUI?
In Las Vegas, you can sue someone for an accident related to drinking or DUI if they were negligent in their actions and caused injury to you or a loved one. In many cases, if someone is convicted of a criminal offense related to drinking, that can serve as proof of their negligence.
If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of someone who had too much to drink, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, time and wages lost from work, temporary or permanent disability, medication costs, rehabilitation, and more.
Contact An Experienced Las Vegas DUI Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident or any type of accident involving someone who had been drinking too much, only a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas DUI accident attorney will be able to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
At the Law Firm of Cap & Kudler, we understand the trauma and grief that can be caused by a drunk driver. Our firm has the skill and experience to fight for Las Vegas DWI accident victims. We will make sure that your rights are protected and you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to an alcohol-related accident in Las Vegas, we urge you to contact us as soon as possible. You can reach us online anytime or call (866) 412-7166 to schedule a confidential, free consultation. We’ll be happy to go over the details of your case and discuss what we can do to help you.
