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. The drinking age in Alabama is 21, so none of them can consume alcohol. 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. In 1984, the federal government passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, setting the National Minimum Drinking Age at 21 («MLDA»). It was phased in over a few years, and today, all 50 states require you to be 21 or older to buy alcohol. So why discuss drinking age by state? In some religions, it is customary to serve small amounts of wine to parishioners as part of a service or ceremony. It would be illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to participate in these activities, but some states have exceptions to allow believers under the age of 21 to legally participate in the rituals. In general, a «family member» is a parent, guardian or spouse. But laws vary widely from state to state as to when a family member can provide or permit consumption from a person under the age of 21. Alabama`s alcohol laws penalize drivers who exercise their constitutional right not to undergo chemical testing.

However, there is no legal penalty for not passing a field sobriety test. 3. For religious purposes: The consumption of alcohol by minors is permitted in some states for religious purposes. Some states require alcohol to be provided by an official religious representative and/or limit the type of alcohol allowed. Each state sets its own specific requirements for what is considered legal. SITUATION 2: You know that someone under the age of 21 is drinking alcohol or using a controlled substance, and you do nothing to stop that and allow your party to continue. It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to buy alcohol. Or try to buy it. It is a criminal act to use a false identity to purchase alcohol. Or try to buy it.

The state may suspend the offender`s driver`s license. On the other hand, teens can buy alcohol to help law enforcement lure employees into the trap. 4. For medical purposes: Consumption of alcohol by minors is permitted in some states for medical purposes. Each state sets its own specific requirements for what is considered legal. Be careful. Neighbours can give advice. Friends can do it too.

Even colleagues. And of course, family members can participate. Smile and thank them. Then, ignore their advice. It`s worth what you paid for. That`s not much. And worse, it can be misleading. 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. This state is strict and enforces the law against possession or consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21. There is an exception for minors who are at home with a parent or guardian. However, it is not applicable in public places such as bars or restaurants. In 2017, lawmakers considered a bill allowing minors to drink beer and wine in restaurants or at family gatherings with parental consent, but it has yet to move forward or pass. From 1976 to 1983, several states voluntarily raised their purchasing age to 19 (or, less frequently, 20 or 21), in part to combat drunk driving deaths. [ref. needed] In 1984, Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which required states to raise their purchasing and public ownership age to 21 in October 1986 or lose 10 percent of their federal funding for roads.