Non-Alcoholic Beer: Can You Buy It?

Non-alcoholic beer has gained popularity among those seeking the taste of beer without the effects of alcohol. While it is generally safe for consumption by minors, the answer to whether you can buy non-alcoholic beer if you are under 21 is not straightforward.

In the United States, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 prohibits the sale of beverages containing alcohol to individuals under 21. However, the act does not specifically mention non-alcoholic beer, which typically contains up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This has led to varying laws and interpretations across different states. Some states, like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, prohibit the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors, while others, like Ohio, allow it for those over 18.

In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, there is no age restriction on purchasing non-alcoholic beer, and individuals under 18 can freely buy these beverages.

It is important to note that while non-alcoholic beer is marketed as having no alcohol, it is more accurately described as low alcohol due to its trace alcohol content.

Non-alcoholic beer is not 100% alcohol-free

The reason non-alcoholic beer isn't entirely alcohol-free is due to the brewing process. Brewers start with the same basic ingredients as regular beer, such as water, yeast, hops, and grain, and use similar fermentation processes. However, they employ different methods to remove or reduce the alcohol content. Some brewers use controlled fermentation methods, cutting off the fermentation process early to control for a lower ABV. Others use dealcoholization methods such as heating the alcohol to its boiling point, adding water, or using vacuum distillation. These methods don't always remove all the alcohol, leaving trace amounts in the final product.

The laws and regulations regarding non-alcoholic beer vary across different countries and states. In the United States, the legal threshold for a beverage to be considered non-alcoholic is 0.5% ABV. However, the laws regarding the sale and consumption of non-alcoholic beer to minors differ from state to state. Some states, like Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Illinois, Alaska, and Hawaii, allow minors to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beer, while others, like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, prohibit it. In some states, the laws are less clear-cut, and it's up to individual retailers to set their policies.

It's worth noting that non-alcoholic beer isn't just a recent trend. Low-alcohol beers, including non-alcoholic varieties, have a long history. In medieval Europe, small beers were consumed as a safer alternative to polluted water and were less expensive than higher-alcohol brews. During the temperance movements and Prohibition in the United States, non-intoxicating beers gained popularity again.

In the US, the law forbids under-21s from buying non-alcoholic beer

However, the laws declaring the legal drinking age of 21 years old are not federal rules, but rules set by each individual state. This means that the answer to whether under-21s can buy non-alcoholic beer varies from state to state.

For example, in Ohio, under-21s can buy non-alcoholic beer, as long as they are over 18. In contrast, in Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, under-21s cannot buy non-alcoholic beer if it contains 0.5% ABV or more. In Alabama, non-alcoholic beer sales are not regulated in wet counties, but "sale" is prohibited in dry counties.

Given the complexity of these varying state laws, most retail stores and online retailers will require customers to be at least 21 years old, so they don't fall victim to any legal loopholes.

In the UK, you don't need ID to buy alcohol under 0.5% ABV

Non-alcoholic beer typically has a maximum alcohol content of 0.5% ABV, which is well under the amount that could cause intoxication. In fact, you'd be more likely to get drunk from drinking fruit juice, which can contain up to 0.86% ABV.

In the US, the laws are different, and vary from state to state. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 prohibits the sale of beverages containing alcohol to anyone under 21 years old. However, this law doesn't specifically mention non-alcoholic beer, so some states allow minors to purchase it, while others don't.

For example, in Ohio, you can buy non-alcoholic beer if you're over 18, but in Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, you need to be 21. In Alabama, it's not regulated in wet counties, but the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors is prohibited in dry counties.

So, if you're in the UK, you don't need to worry about having ID to buy non-alcoholic beer. But if you're in the US, it depends on the laws in your state.

In some US states, minors can buy non-alcoholic beer

Non-alcoholic beer is a brew that contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Although non-alcoholic beer is not completely alcohol-free, it contains significantly less alcohol than traditional beer, which typically ranges from 4-6% ABV.

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21 years old, and purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages requires the buyer to be at least 21. However, the laws regarding the purchase of non-alcoholic beverages by minors vary across states. While some states prohibit minors from purchasing any alcohol, others allow minors to consume alcohol under certain conditions, such as parental supervision.

According to sources, the following US states may allow minors to buy and drink non-alcoholic beers:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Vermont
• Washington
• Wisconsin

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding the sale of non-alcoholic beverages to minors can vary not only between states but also between counties, cities, and even individual stores. Some stores may have stricter policies and choose not to sell non-alcoholic beers to individuals under 21 to avoid legal complications and fines. Therefore, it is crucial to check local regulations and retailer policies before attempting to purchase non-alcoholic beverages as a minor.

Non-alcoholic beer is safer than conventional beer

Secondly, non-alcoholic beer offers a safer alternative for certain vulnerable groups. For example, pregnant women and those trying to conceive are advised to avoid alcohol due to potential risks to fetal development. Non-alcoholic beer provides an option for those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without exposing their unborn child to alcohol. Additionally, individuals with a history of alcohol abuse or addiction may find non-alcoholic beer to be a safer choice as it can help reduce their alcohol intake and lower the risk of relapse.

Thirdly, non-alcoholic beer can have positive health effects that make it a safer option compared to conventional beer. Studies have shown that non-alcoholic beer can have beneficial impacts on cardiovascular health, including reducing oxidative stress, preserving endothelial function, and inhibiting thrombogenic activity. It is also often lower in calories and can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle when consumed in moderation.

Finally, non-alcoholic beer eliminates the risk of alcohol-related accidents and impaired decision-making. It allows individuals to enjoy the taste and social aspects of drinking beer without the risk of impaired driving or operating machinery. This makes non-alcoholic beer a safer and more responsible choice for individuals who need to stay sober and alert, such as designated drivers or those operating heavy equipment.

However, it is important to note that non-alcoholic beer is not completely free of risks. It still contains trace amounts of alcohol, which can be harmful to certain individuals, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those with medical conditions or taking certain medications. Additionally, the labeling of non-alcoholic beer can sometimes be misleading, and some products may contain higher levels of alcohol than indicated on the label. Therefore, it is crucial to read labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if there are any concerns.

Frequently asked questions