The information below is not in any way intended to be legal advice or to encourage alcohol consumption by people under the age of 21. The laws presented include only state laws regarding underage consumption of alcohol. We have excluded county and city ordinances that may further restrict underage drinking as well as laws against people furnishing alcohol to underage people. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking current applicable law.
With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and DC allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting. Some states also offer prosecutorial exemptions for underage persons who have consumed alcohol but are reporting an assault or medical emergency.
| State with Link to MLDA Law(s) and/or exceptions | MLDA Law(s) and Exceptions |
|---|---|
| Alabama | MLDA is 21 with no exceptions. |
| Alaska | MLDA is 21 with the following exceptions: "by a parent to the parent's child, by a guardian to the guardian's ward, or by a person to the legal spouse of that person if the furnishing or delivery occurs off licensed premises; or by a licensed physician or nurse to a patient in the course of administering medical treatment." |
| Arizona | MLDA is 21 with the following exceptions: "that the spirituous liquor was consumed in connection with the bona fide practice of a religious belief or as an integral part of a religious exercise and in a manner not dangerous to public health or safety. [or] that the spirituous liquor was consumed for a bona fide medicinal purpose and in a manner not dangerous to public health or safety." |
| Arkansas | MLDA is 21 with no exceptions. |
| California |