As a responsibly armed American that carries a firearm regularly, you may wonder if you can carry when you go out to dinner and plan to have a glass of wine, a beer or a mixed drink. Or you may be taking a controlled substance. We’ve gathered that information for you. Read on to learn more about the state laws regarding the consumption of alcohol or controlled substances.
*Before we go any further, we at the USCCA must include this caveat: As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
States fall into four categories. They either don’t address this issue in state law, ban any consumption whatsoever, ban carrying when a person is intoxicated or under the influence, or ban carrying while consuming and when intoxicated or under the influence. Definitions of what is considered intoxicated or under the influence also vary from state to state.
Not Addressed
The listed states don’t address this in the state statutes.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
Do Not Consume While Carrying
A number of states have statutes banning any consumption whatsoever.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- District of Columbia
Under the Influence
These states prohibit concealed carry when a person is intoxicated or under the influence and then define what that means.
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Texas
Consumption and Under the Influence
There are also a number of states that ban carrying both while consuming and when you’re considered intoxicated or under the influence, while providing definitions of what is considered intoxicated and/or under the influence.
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Whatever your state laws, it’s important to remember that concealed carry is a lifestyle. Choices and changes need to be made. Carrying a firearm and the duty to protect should never be taken lightly.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
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