The legal department handles all Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) legal matters, including but not limited to: appeals, prosecution of administrative violations, license or permit suspensions, and oppositions.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the legal department to counsel the Director and the ABC Division on interpretation of the East Baton Rouge Parish alcoholic beverage control laws and regulations. The alcoholic beverage control laws and regulations are contained in the Wine, Beer and Liquor Ordinance section of the Municode.

Administrative Violations & Hearings

Many violations are assessed fines. When assessed a fine the licensee has the option to pay the fine and avoid attending the scheduled administrative hearing. All assessed fines must be paid by 4 p.m. on the date indicated on the citation. Businesses or individuals choosing to pay an assessed fine may do so in person or by mail.

Anyone who wishes to contest a violation must contact the ABC office prior to the hearing date listed on the citation and request the item be placed on the board agenda. Continuation Requests must be emailed to Paolo Messina, Sr. or faxed to 225-389-7869 at least 7 days prior to the scheduled hearing date.