Wisconsin has experienced problems with underage drinking on college campuses. In 2017, a state legislator tried to pass a bill that would lower the drinking age to nineteen to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. That bill didn`t pass, but underage teens can currently drink at a bar or restaurant with a parent in Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin law, 18- to 20-year-olds can legally drink with a parent, guardian or spouse 21 and older. There are only five states without an exemption from federal law: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia. Forty-five States have exceptions, and these exceptions vary widely and merit further discussion. U.S. alcohol laws regarding the minimum age of purchase have changed over time. In colonial America, there was usually no drinking age, and alcohol consumption among young teenagers was common, even in taverns. [1] In post-revolutionary America, this laxity gradually changed due to religious sentiments (embodied in the temperance movement) and a growing recognition of the dangers of alcohol in the medical community. [1] Recent history is given in the table below. Unless otherwise stated, if there are different minimum ages of purchase for different categories of alcohol, the age listed below will be set at the lowest age indicated (for example, if the age of purchase is 18 for beer and 21 for wine or spirits, as has been the case in several states, the age in the table will be read as “18” rather than “21”).
In addition, the age of purchase is not necessarily the same as the minimum age to consume alcoholic beverages, although they are often the same. Along with Oregon, California has the oldest MLDA 21 laws in the country. In 2016, there was an initiative to lower the drinking age to 18, but it didn`t get much support. However, the consumption of alcohol by minors is allowed in the presence of a responsible adult. It was made to help parents teach their children the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption. It`s no secret that Florida is a well-known party destination. But Florida is also known for strictly enforcing the MLDA of 21. You`ll find people who say that for the first time in 20 years, they`ve been listed on many travel sites when visiting a theme park. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess alcohol in this state. For example, you can look at 30 states if you`re 18, four states with nineteen, one state with twenty, and 15 states with 21. However, you may need a license to pour drinks depending on the condition. The minimum age for waiters bringing drinks to the table may differ from those behind the bar.
Plus, in North Carolina, you can pour eighteen beers and wine, but no alcohol until you`re 21. As you can see, this quickly becomes confusing when it comes to legal age and alcohol. But states have very different rules and regulations for drinking. Check out this map from HealthGroove`s data analysts that visualizes how each state handles underage drinking. But there are consequences if a state does not comply with the federal minimum age law; They risk losing federal funds (mainly for highway projects). Not surprisingly, all fifty states did what was necessary to come together and receive their federal funds. But there are exceptions to who can buy, possess, serve, or even consume alcohol in many states. 7. When reporting medical necessity due to underage drinking: In some states, a minor is not punished for drinking alcohol if it is established that he or she has drunk alcohol by reporting a medical emergency for another underage drinker. Each state sets its own specific requirements for what is considered legal. Here is a list of states and the minimum age they have set for alcoholic beverages: 21 for all alcoholic beverages: Alaska, Arizona (as of January 1985), Arkansas, California, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee (as of August 1984), Utah, and Washington.
21 for out-of-state residents; 19 for state residents: West Virginia. People under the age of 21 who work in the restaurant or food and beverage industry may be able to purchase alcohol for their work. However, in most cases, they are not allowed to drink it. 11 states: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont “It`s amazing — what do we parents say?” said David J. Hanson, professor emeritus of sociology at SUNY Potsdam, 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.” The Twenty-first Amendment to the Constitution specifies that states may establish laws governing the sale and distribution of alcohol, and states may delegate responsibilities to local jurisdictions. States, not Washington D.C., have the power to set the age within their own borders as they see fit. Since parental consent exemption laws vary widely, you should confirm your area`s laws on permitted exceptions for underage consumption in the presence of a family member. There are also laws to protect underage drinkers from prosecution if they report or seek medical help for another minor. Currently, seventeen states provide exceptions related to underage drinking when seeking medical assistance for another minor. In all U.S. states, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase alcohol.
It is also a criminal offense in all 50 states to make false statements (including making ID cards) to purchase alcohol. However, states may vary if possession and consumption are illegal in all circumstances. In some states, you may also be accused of “internal obsession,” which refers to alcohol in your body.