Can I Drink At Midnight On My 21st Birthday in Vegas? (Explained)

So, you’re heading to Las Vegas for your 21st birthday, and you’re excited to get the party started! But you’re wondering: Can I drink at midnight on my 21st birthday or do I have to wait until the next day?

Yes, you can start drinking at midnight in Las Vegas on your 21st birthday (12:01 am to be exact). You may, however, need to wait to enter the bar or club until midnight. Also, you will need to have an acceptable ID with you to prove your age, and this can be a driver’s license, military ID, or passport. 

Las Vegas was made for turning 21! There are a couple of reasons why Vegas is such a great place to kick off your 21st birthday celebration (or any birthday for that matter). First, duh, it’s Vegas! There are so many fun things to do and see in Las Vegas. You’ll never ever have to worry about being bored on one of the biggest birthdays of your life!

Second, unlike most towns, whose bars and clubs stop serving alcohol around 1:30 am, at midnight in Vegas the party is just getting started. So it’s perfectly acceptable to start the birthday celebration a night early in Sin City.

Can I drink at midnight on my 21st birthday in Vegas if I’m from out of state?

Good news, yes you can! In Las Vegas, it doesn’t matter what your home address is or where you are born. As long as your ID proves that you were born 21 years ago or more to the day, you are good to go. 

So whether you’re visiting from out of state or from out of the country the only thing that matters is that you are ready to have a great time!

Recommended Read: Do Bars Ever Close In Las Vegas?

Can I have a party in a club or bar before midnight on my 21st birthday in Las Vegas?

No, you won’t be able to do this. Clubs and bars are very strict about this, even though it might seem like a few hours shouldn’t matter until the clocks strike midnight. Bartenders and venues run the risk of heavy fines and the loss of their liquor license if caught with someone underage on the premise, so they just won’t risk it. 

If you’re desperate to have a party in a nightclub or bar you won’t be able to start celebrating until after midnight. In that case, you can either wait till after midnight (clubs in Vegas are just getting started at midnight), or hold off on the party till the next day.

Another factor to consider is your friends. The drinking age in Las Vegas is 21 and the same rules apply for them. If any members of your group are under 21 you generally won’t be able to organize a party in a club or bar. (Note: Fake ID’s won’t typically work in Las Vegas and you run the risk of detention and fines. You’ve been warned.)

The good news is that there is plenty to do in Las Vegas if you’re Under 21, even if only for a few more hours. You can also look for a club or venue in Vegas that is open to all ages. Vegas has some really fun options that don’t include drinking, including mini-golf, pool halls, and live shows. 

A note on the live shows, even if your ticket comes with a free alcoholic beverage, unless you or your friends have a valid ID you’ll find this will be replaced with a non-alcoholic alternative such as water or soda. 

Another exception is if a venue has a designated eating area that is separate from the bar, then you are usually allowed to eat there even if they are serving liquor. Always check with any venue in advance and make a booking so that you’re not disappointed on the big night. If you don’t make a reservation before arriving in Las Vegas you can ask your hotel for help and advice on where to go.

Recommended Las Vegas Bar Crawls: Las Vegas Club Crawl (groupon)

Can I drink on the street in Vegas?

Yes, you can consume alcohol on the street in Vegas. That’s because the drinking laws are quite liberal in Nevada, and Las Vegas doesn’t have an open container law. 

Of course, if it’s your first night of being able to drink legally you’ll probably want to try a bar, but be aware that there are live shows and entertainment outside the casinos in the evenings as well, and you could equally enjoy your first drink outside enjoying the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip. 

One of the coolest things about Las Vegas is that you can carry your drink from one casino or hotspot to another. Keep in mind, however, that it’s illegal to carry drinks in glass containers on The Strip or in Downtown, so make sure you carry yours in a can or plastic cup. This is to prevent broken glass on the streets and minimize violence occurring with glass. 

Recommended Read: Is it Worth Going to Downtown Las Vegas? YES – Here’s Why!

Can I Purchase Alcohol at a Liquor Store at Midnight on My 21st Birthday in Las Vegas?

Yep, the same rules apply here. You will be able to start making purchases at a liquor store at 12:01 am in Las Vegas. Also, you’ll find that many liquor stores are open 24/7 in Las Vegas.

So, if all this sounds like a fun way to celebrate your 21st birthday, then you’ll want to head to Las Vegas to down your first legal drink!

References:

Wikipedia