New Law Freezes New Liquor Stores in Specific Shreveport Neighborhoods

A big change for plans to bring new liquor stores to Shreveport. State lawmakers have passed a bill putting a moratorium in place for any new liquor stores in one part of Shreveport. The legislature has passed a measure to prohibit the state and the city from issuing  class B or C liquor licenses for any new operations in House District 3 which is represented by Tammy Phelps.

In Louisiana, a Class B permit allows “for the sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption, like package stores.”  A Class C permit is “for wholesale distributors of alcoholic beverages. Class C permits also apply to certain events where alcohol is sold as part of admission or fees, but not for temporary permits.”

Who Issues Alcohol Permits in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) issues statewide alcohol licenses, but cities also issue permits for alcohol sales and those local licenses can be more restrictive than the statewide license.

What Does This New Law Change?

No new package liquor stores or businesses that sell alcohol for off premise consumption will be allowed. No new wholesale alcohol distribution facilities will be allowed.

This law is not permanent, but it puts a ban in place from Aug. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026. This is essentially a moratorium on any new liquor stores in a large part of Shreveport.

READ MORE: Big change to liquor laws made in Shreveport 3 years ago.

What Neighborhoods Are Included in this Ban?

House District 3 is bounded by Midway on the north to I-49 and part of the district goes to Line Avenue. On the south, the district runs out to Williamson Way. The western boundary is Mansfield Road.

Click here to see the full map.

This law does not put a moratorium in place for Class A alcohol permits which allow for on-premise consumption. This license includes restaurants and bars.

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This moratorium would not apply to stores that are larger than 5,000 square feet.

Current license holders can get licenses renewed during this time frame, provided they are operating within the current laws.

This bill passed by a vote of 34-5 in the Senate with all Shreveport Senators supporting the bill. The measure passed 92-0 in the House. It is now headed to the Governor's desk for his signature.