Non-Alcoholic Beer: Under 21S And Their Drinking Options

The laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer vary across different countries and states. In the United States, federal law does not prohibit minors from buying non-alcoholic beer, but state laws differ. Some states allow minors to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beer, while others may only permit purchase or consumption. Additionally, individual stores may have their own policies, often requiring customers to be 21 or older due to the challenges of enforcing age restrictions on alcoholic and non-alcoholic products that look similar.

Non-alcoholic beer laws in the US

Non-alcoholic beer typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While this is not enough to cause intoxication, non-alcoholic beers are still regulated by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. However, the laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across US state lines.

Purchasing non-alcoholic beer

In most states, you must be 21 to purchase non-alcoholic beer. However, there are exceptions. In Ohio, for example, the minimum age to buy non-alcoholic beer is 18. In Texas and Illinois, non-alcoholic beer can be bought by those under 21, but it must adhere to the states' beer franchise laws, which regulate distribution.

Consuming non-alcoholic beer

In most states, consumption of non-alcoholic beer is allowed for those under 21. However, there are exceptions. In Mississippi, North Dakota, and Ohio, only those aged 18 and older are permitted to drink non-alcoholic beer. In 14 states, including Kansas, minors are prohibited from drinking non-alcoholic beer.

Other considerations

It's important to note that counties and cities can modify age restrictions, and store policies may also vary. Some retailers may not sell non-alcoholic beers to individuals under 21 to avoid the risk of fines or loss of their alcohol license. Additionally, individuals under 21 may only be permitted to consume non-alcoholic beer in private residences with parental supervision.

Non-alcoholic beer laws in the UK

In the UK, it is illegal for someone under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol. This includes alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or cider. The law also prohibits selling or buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18. Drinking alcohol in public is also illegal for minors, and they can be fined or arrested by the police.

However, there is an exception for 16 and 17-year-olds who are accompanied by an adult. They are allowed to drink, but not buy, beer, wine, or cider with a meal in licensed premises. Additionally, under-16s are permitted to enter licensed premises if they are accompanied by someone over the age of 18.

When it comes to non-alcoholic beer, the situation is a bit more complex. The Licensing Act of 2003 defines alcohol as beverages with an ABV (alcohol by volume) strength of over 0.5%. This means that non-alcoholic beers, which typically have an ABV of 0.5% or less, are not legally considered alcoholic drinks. As a result, some legal specialists argue that under-18s can buy non-alcoholic drinks since none of the relevant "underage laws" apply.

However, the decision to sell non-alcoholic beer to minors is left to individual pubs and pubcos, and many choose not to due to the difficulty in distinguishing it from alcoholic beer once served. As a result, it is important to check the policies of specific pubs and establishments before assuming that non-alcoholic beer can be purchased by minors.

In summary, while non-alcoholic beer is not explicitly prohibited for minors in the UK, the decision to sell it to those under 18 varies between establishments, and many choose not to due to the challenges in differentiating it from alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer laws in Canada

In Canada, non-alcoholic beer is defined as a beverage containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While non-alcoholic beer is not completely alcohol-free, when consumed in moderation, the alcohol content in these beverages will not cause intoxication.

In Canada, there is no age limit for purchasing non-alcoholic beer. In Ontario, for example, non-alcoholic beer can be bought off the shelf in most grocery stores. However, some retailers may have stricter policies and might not sell non-alcoholic beers to individuals under 21.

Non-alcoholic beers are still regulated by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, even though their alcoholic content is legally below what is considered to be an alcoholic beverage. This is because of a legal anomaly where any malt beverage is regulated by the FAA, which does not indicate an ABV minimum.

In Canada, alcoholic beverages are subject to the provisions of the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA), Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), Food and Drugs Act (FDA), and Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). Alcoholic beverages with prescribed standards in Division 2 of Part B of the FDR include beer.

In addition, the labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages in Canada are outlined in the FDR and SFCR. These requirements include the common name of the beverage, the percentage of alcohol by volume, and the declaration of food allergens, gluten sources, and added sulphites.

Why non-alcoholic beer is age-restricted

Non-alcoholic beer typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, but it may still be age-restricted in certain jurisdictions due to its association with alcoholic beverages. Here are some reasons why non-alcoholic beer is age-restricted:

• Discouraging underage drinking: One of the primary reasons for age restrictions on non-alcoholic beer is to discourage underage drinking. Even though non-alcoholic beer has a very low alcohol content, it still contains traces of alcohol. Restricting access to these beverages for minors helps reinforce the message that alcohol consumption is not appropriate for individuals below the legal drinking age.
• Preventing the perception of underage drinking: Non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions of the same drink often look very similar. By restricting the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors, jurisdictions aim to prevent the perception or misunderstanding that underage individuals are consuming alcoholic beverages. This is especially relevant in settings such as bars, pubs, and restaurants, where it can be challenging to distinguish between the two types of drinks once they are served.
• Compliance with alcohol licensing regulations: Establishments that sell alcoholic beverages, such as bars, pubs, and liquor stores, are subject to strict regulations and licensing rules. By restricting the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors, these establishments can reduce the risk of accidentally selling alcoholic drinks to underage individuals. This helps them avoid potential legal consequences, including fines, loss of liquor licenses, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.
• Avoiding human error and minimizing risk: Many stores, particularly liquor stores and franchise businesses, adopt a blanket approach by requiring ID for the purchase of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer. This policy minimizes the risk of human error, where staff may accidentally sell alcoholic beer to customers under the legal drinking age. It also helps businesses avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.
• Parental supervision and responsibility: In some jurisdictions, minors are allowed to consume non-alcoholic beer under the supervision of their parents or legal guardians. This allows parents to control the environment and amount consumed while also teaching their children about responsible drinking habits.
• Compliance with state or local laws: In the United States, alcohol laws, including the minimum legal drinking age, are set at the state level. Some states, such as Georgia, New York, Tennessee, and Idaho, have stricter regulations and may completely ban the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer by individuals under 21. These laws vary from state to state, and it is essential to abide by the specific regulations in your area.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding non-alcoholic beer can be complex and vary across different jurisdictions. While non-alcoholic beer may be age-restricted in some areas, it is allowed for minors in others. Always check the specific laws and regulations in your location to ensure compliance.

Why people under 21 buy non-alcoholic beer

The laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across the United States. While federal law does not prohibit minors from buying non-alcoholic beer, many states have yet to adapt their legislation to reflect the rising popularity of these beverages. As a result, the rules regarding the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors vary from state to state, and even from store to store.

In some states, such as Georgia, New York, Tennessee, and Idaho, individuals must be 21 or older to purchase non-alcoholic beer. These states have a broader definition of beer, classifying it as any "malt beverage" created through the fermentation of hops, barley, malt, and other similar grains. On the other hand, states like Alaska, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin may allow minors to buy and drink non-alcoholic beers.

Even within states that allow the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors, individual stores may have their own policies prohibiting such sales to avoid the risk of accidentally selling alcoholic beverages to minors. This is especially common at liquor stores and franchise businesses, like gas stations and grocery store chains.

So, why would someone under 21 want to buy non-alcoholic beer? Well, for starters, non-alcoholic beer provides an alternative to traditional beer that still allows individuals to enjoy the taste of beer without the harmful effects of alcohol. It can also be a way for people to reduce their alcohol intake and promote better sleep while still socialising with friends. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer can be a safer option for minors than regular beer, as it has a lower alcohol content and is less likely to cause damage to their still-developing internal organs.

For these reasons, the non-alcoholic beer market is growing, with some reports indicating that it could make up to $40 billion by 2032. However, it is important to note that non-alcoholic beer should still be consumed responsibly, especially by minors, to avoid any potential health risks.

Frequently asked questions