A person aged 16 or 17 accompanied by an adult may drink (but not purchase) beer, wine or cider with a meal in a licensed establishment (except in Northern Ireland). But it is illegal for people of this age to drink spirits in a pub anywhere in the UK, even with a meal. 2. On private premises, not selling liquor, without parental consent: The consumption of alcohol by minors is not prohibited in some states on private premises that do not sell liquor, although it may be illegal for adults to provide alcohol to minors in those states. Each state sets its own specific requirements for what is considered legal. Many customers contact us with complaints, often received from angry parents who are aware of the legal exemption and have been denied alcohol service for consumption by young family members. Although the consumption of alcohol by minors is not expressly prohibited by law, the possession of alcohol by minors is prohibited unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian or the person is over 18 years of age and possesses alcohol in the course of employment. According to the Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS), “possession and consumption are closely linked, as consumption generally requires possession.” Source: Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS) website (accessed 21. May 2010) Chapter 138: Section 34C The policy of many operators is therefore to refuse service to persons under 18 years of age and also to prohibit the consumption of beer, wine or cider for persons under 18 years of age, even if they have a meal at the table. Young people aged 16 and 17 who work in a licensed bar, restaurant or shop may serve alcohol provided that the licensee or bar manager has approved the sale and complies with all other restrictions set out in the licence.4 It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol anywhere in the UK.
Hanson, the sociologist, says these convoluted laws reflect a confused attitude toward alcohol consumption in the United States. “All of these conflicting laws are the result of cultural ambiguity — basically, they reflect the fact that we, as a society, don`t really agree on how to deal with alcohol.” It`s not just ordinary people who struggle to understand these apparent contradictions — some states even publish seemingly contradictory information about their juvenile laws. For example, if you`re looking for underage alcohol laws in New York City, you`ll find this booklet from the State Liquor Authority that pretty clearly states, “If you`re under 21, it`s a violation of the law to consume alcohol with intent to consume alcohol.” Regular alcohol consumption in childhood and early adulthood can cause permanent brain and liver damage to these developing organs. It has also been shown to affect the academic performance of some youth, which can negatively impact their potential throughout their lives.10,11 People who start drinking regularly at a young age are also more likely to experience alcohol-related problems than adults.12 For example, If police suspect that someone under the age of 18 has alcohol in a public place: They have the power to confiscate it. If young people are caught drinking, they face a social contract, a fine or arrest. “It`s amazing” what do we parents say? David J. Hanson, professor emeritus of sociology at SUNY Potsdam, said in an interview. Hanson has studied alcohol policy for more than 40 years, claiming that sometimes conflicting regulations on underage alcohol cause confusion and “legal nonsense.” 8. In liquor auction rooms with parental consent: In some states, the consumption of alcohol by minors is permitted at an alcohol outlet such as a restaurant or bar if the alcohol is provided to the minor by a legal guardian and the minor is in the presence of his or her legal guardian.
Anyone convicted of illegally supplying alcohol to someone under the age of 18 would have a criminal record and could pay a significant fine. This applies to people who walk or work in a pub or business, parents or guardians, or anyone else. Armed yourself with strategies and advice can help you or a loved one take small steps toward big results. 5. for government work purposes: Alcohol consumption by minors is not prohibited in some states if it is related to government or law enforcement missions. These tasks may include government research on underage drinking, undercover work, etc. Each state sets its own specific requirements for what is considered legal. But it turns out that not everything minors drink is strictly illegal: At least 37 states have some sort of exception in their drinking laws that allows minors to drink at home and in the company of family members. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the patchwork of state laws regulating exceptions to underage possession laws looks like this: And the law also defines when it is illegal for those under 18 to consume alcohol. Read this guide for the full picture. This card masks an incredible complexity and variety of exceptions for minors. Some states make exceptions when minors are allowed to consume alcohol.
Others make exceptions if they are allowed to own it. Still other states, such as Arkansas, do not have exemptions for possession or consumption by minors, but still make exceptions for parents who want to provide alcohol to their children. All of this adds up to a confusing mess that is almost impossible for parents, teens, and even lawyers to understand. There are also other steps the police can take without taking the matter to court. And when youth between the ages of 15 and 17 consume alcohol, it should always be done under the direction of a parent or caregiver or in a supervised environment. Children under 18 can be arrested, fined or arrested by the police if they drink alcohol in public. The police also have the power to confiscate alcohol. To learn more about the law on the consumption of alcohol in public, click here. However, if you are 16 or 17 years old and accompanied by an adult, you can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal (but not buy it).