Drinking in Las Vegas: Everything You Need to Know About Alcohol Laws and Open Containers

Aptly named as the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas is known for its lively nightlife and its vibrant atmosphere. From bustling casinos to world-class entertainment, the city offers endless opportunities for fun. 

Whether you are celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, a birthday, a weekend in Sin City, or anything else, it is important to be aware of some of the unique alcohol laws in Vegas to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.

What is The Drinking Age in Las Vegas? 

Las Vegas welcomes visitors from around the world every year, many of whom are of legal drinking age at home, which leaves many tourists curious about the laws in Las Vegas. In the United States, including Las Vegas, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. This law applies to both residents and tourists, and establishments including bars, restaurants, and liquor stores are strict about enforcing it.  

Can You Drink in Public in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is one of the most unique tourist destinations in regards to drinking laws. Unlike many other cities, public drinking and open containers for visitors 21+ are allowed! There are certain exceptions to these laws, including where in the city you are, and the types of containers you’re allowed to have. 

One of the most important regulations is that you’re only allowed to have open containers and drink on the Strip and Fremont Street. For the Strip, there are less regulations on where you can drink, however it is prohibited to drink or possess open containers in parking lots or within 1,000 feet of where you purchased any closed containers.

In terms of drinking on Fremont Street, there are a few more regulations in place. You cannot drink within 1,000 feet in any of the following places: 

• bus stop
• church,
• homeless shelter
• hospital,
• liquor store, or
• School

What is Considered an Open Container? 

Before we dive into specific rules, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as an open container. An open container is any bottle, can, cup, or other receptacle that contains an alcoholic beverage that has been opened, has a broken seal, or is not in its original container. This definition is crucial for knowing where and how you can legally enjoy a drink in public areas of Las Vegas.

What You Can (and Can’t) Drink on the Street

While there’s no restrictions on the types of alcohol you can drink, there are some regulations on the types of containers and the places you get the alcohol from.

The most important law to keep in mind is the types of containers you’re allowed to have: Specifically, you can only use plastic, paper, or aluminum cups/cans for drinking on the street. Glass containers are strictly prohibited, as they pose a safety risk. 

While we know the vendors along the Strip selling $1 beers and seltzers might be tempting, it’s important to make sure you’re buying from licensed establishments. Purchasing alcohol from unlicensed vendors can lead to legal issues and safety concerns.

Casinos and Drinking: What to Expect

There’s a couple of things to be prepared for when drinking in casinos. While you can legally bring your own drinks into casinos, many casinos do prefer that you purchase drinks from their bars. This is because casinos often have strict policies to ensure responsible drinking and maintain a safe environment for everyone. 

If you’re gambling, some (but not all) casinos offer free drinks to players as an incentive to keep them playing. That being said, tipping for these drinks is typically expected. If you have a players card and are above base level, it is more likely that your drink will be complimentary.

Can You Drink in a Moving Vehicle? 

In Las Vegas, there are a couple of guidelines to whether or not you can drink in a moving vehicle. 

The first thing to keep in mind is that driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited, and open container laws apply, meaning that in regular vehicles, open containers of alcohol are not permitted, even if the driver is sober. So if you’re behind the wheel, it is vital to make sure there’s no alcohol in the car. 

Passengers in a moving vehicle are allowed to drink alcohol only if they are in a vehicle designed for that purpose, such as a limousine or party bus. A good rule of thumb is that if there’s a partition between you and the driver, drinking is typically okay. 

Can You Drink in Your Hotel Room or Airbnb?

While Las Vegas streets tend to have more relaxed laws on drinking, the rules on private property vary greatly. Many Airbnb hosts have their own specific policies regarding alcohol consumption, which can range from allowing guests to enjoy drinks responsibly to prohibiting alcohol entirely. Which is why it is essential for guests to review the house rules provided by the host before booking. 

The hotels on the Strip, on the other hand, typically allow guests to drink in the rooms, even providing drinks in the mini-fridges and bars for guests to enjoy! However, it’s important to note that intoxication and disorderly conduct is still prohibited in many areas of the hotel, and you should always drink responsibly.

Where You Can Buy Alcohol in Las Vegas

As mentioned earlier, open container laws are typically in regards to alcohol purchased from a licensed vendor. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that most bars in hotels, and established stores along the strip will have licenses.

Some examples of outside bars to keep an eye out for include Purple Zebra, The Daiquiri Bar at Beer Park in front of Paris Las Vegas, and Fat Tuesday. These locations also often run specials that give you a reusable cup and discounted refills throughout the day. 

Bars and Nightclubs: Age Limits and Entry Rules

There is an abundance of nightlife in Las Vegas with a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to different tastes and preferences. From upscale lounges to casual pubs, there is something for everyone. Many venues have age restrictions, typically requiring patrons to be at least 21 years old to enter.

In addition to age restrictions, many of the clubs also have strict dress codes and entry fees to be aware of.These dress codes often emphasize a stylish and polished appearance, with some venues requiring formal attire. Entry fees can vary widely depending on the venue, event, and time of night. It’s advisable to check the specific club’s policies and plan accordingly to avoid any surprises. 

Tips for Drinking Responsibly in Vegas

Last but not least, we want to leave you with some important tips for drinking responsibly during your trip. First, set a budget for drinks and stick to it. Since ATM fees on the Strip can be steep, we recommend taking out cash before you go so you can stay firm on your budget. 

Second, we recommend alternating alcoholic beverages with water (or electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Powerade) to stay hydrated. This is extra important during the summer months when temperatures can reach up to 115ºF! 

The third tip is to know your limits and to avoid drinking on an empty stomach, the Strip is filled with a variety of amazing restaurants, including some great walk-up spots, so you can grab a quick bite to eat between drinks. 

Our last tip is to have fun! The city is filled with so many unique bars, restaurants and even speakeasies that you’re sure to find something to suit your taste and make for a memorable experience.