Non-alcoholic beer is a popular alternative to traditional beer, and it can be purchased online or in-store. However, the laws surrounding the purchase of non-alcoholic beer vary across different states and counties, and even from store to store. For instance, while some states allow minors to buy non-alcoholic beer, others require individuals to be over the age of 21. Additionally, some stores may have stricter policies and choose not to sell non-alcoholic beer to individuals under 21. As a result, it is important to check the local laws and retailer policies before attempting to purchase non-alcoholic beer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Legality | Depends on the state and local laws |
Age restriction | 21 years old and above |
Availability | Can be bought online and in-store |
Varieties | Heineken 0.0, Budweiser Zero, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Guinness 0.0, Sierra Nevada Trail Pass, and more |
What You'll Learn
Legality of buying non-alcoholic beer by minors
The laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across the United States. While the legal drinking age is 21, non-alcoholic beer typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is lower than many common food products such as fruit juices and hamburger buns. Despite this, non-alcoholic beers are still regulated by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, and the laws surrounding their purchase by minors are murky and vary by state.
In some states, such as Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, minors cannot purchase non-alcoholic beer. In other states, such as Ohio, minors over the age of 18 can purchase non-alcoholic beer. In still other states, such as Alabama, the laws are less clear, with "sale" prohibited in dry counties but not regulated in wet counties.
Some states allow minors to consume non-alcoholic beer with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian, while other states require minors to be over 21 even for consumption. The complexity of these laws means that many retail stores and online retailers require customers to be at least 21 when purchasing non-alcoholic beer.
It is important to note that counties and cities can modify age restrictions, and restrictions can also vary from store to store. As such, it is crucial to check local laws and retailer policies before attempting to purchase non-alcoholic beer as a minor.
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Non-alcoholic beer and driving
Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be purchased by the case from many online and local retailers. However, it is important to note that the laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across different US states. While some states permit minors to buy non-alcoholic drinks, others require individuals to be 21 or older.
Now, can you drink non-alcoholic beer while driving? Technically, yes. Non-alcoholic drinks do not impair your capacity for interaction and communication, which alcoholic drinks do. True non-alcoholic beers contain little to no alcohol (0.0% to 0.5% ABV), so consuming them won't result in a DUI. However, since most US states don't differentiate between "alcoholic" and "non-alcoholic" drinks, you will likely be pulled over by a police officer if they see you drinking from a bottle that resembles regular alcoholic beer.
While you won't be cited for having an open non-alcoholic container in your car, if a police officer suspects you of being drunk, they have the authority to arrest you. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid drinking non-alcoholic beer while driving, as it may put you in a position to be pulled over.
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Non-alcoholic beer brands
Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly popular, with breweries creating some of the best-tasting non-alcoholic beers the world has ever seen. There are a variety of non-alcoholic beer brands available, from familiar names to boutique breweries. Here are some of the top non-alcoholic beer brands to try:
Best Day Brewing
Best Day Brewing offers a non-alcoholic Hazy IPA with rich, fruity aromas and juicy tropical hop flavors. Their non-alcoholic beer has received positive reviews and is a top-rated option for those looking to enjoy a beer without the alcohol content.
GO Brewing
GO Brewing is a new addition to the non-alcoholic beer scene, offering a "West Coast Pale" brew. This Illinois-based brewery has crafted a California-style non-alcoholic pale ale that is gluten-removed and full of flavor.
Momentum Brewery
Momentum Brewery has a range of non-alcoholic IPAs, including the Hazy IPA and the BLACK IPA "Dry Run Series". Their Hazy IPA is a fruity and juicy option, while the BLACK IPA offers a unique, limited-edition drinking experience.
Untitled Art
Untitled Art has a range of non-alcoholic beers, including the Juicy IPA, the West Coast IPA, and the Italian Pilsner Beer. The Juicy IPA is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops, while the West Coast IPA is a classic throwback brewed with Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe hops. Their Italian Pilsner is a hopped-up version of the standard Pilsner style.
Guinness
The famous Guinness brewery also has a non-alcoholic option, the Guinness Non-Alcoholic Stout 0.0. Brewed in Ireland, this non-alcoholic stout has less than 0.5% ABV and offers the same great taste as the original Guinness stout.
Sober Carpenter
Sober Carpenter has a range of non-alcoholic beers, including an IPA, an Irish Red Ale, and a Blonde Ale. Their IPA is a slightly hazy, pale golden beer with all the flavor of a regular IPA but without the alcohol. The Irish Red Ale is brewed using traditional methods and premium Windsor yeast, resulting in a malty and smooth beer.
Flying Dog Deep Brewery
Flying Dog Deep Brewery offers the Fake NA IPA, a non-alcoholic beer that tastes just like the original. This brewery is known for its innovative and hard-to-spot non-alcoholic beers, and their latest release is no exception.
Woodland Farms Brewery
Woodland Farms Brewery has a range of non-alcoholic beers, including the West IPA and the Strata IPA. The West IPA offers a full-bodied hop flavor, while the Strata IPA is a rich and refreshing hazy IPA featuring Strata hops and juicy citrus notes.
Al's
Al's Classic is an easy-drinking, light, crisp, and refreshing non-alcoholic lager with less than 0.5% ABV. It's the perfect option for those looking for a beer that tastes like a classic lager but without the alcohol content.
Stella Artois
Stella Artois Liberte is the alcohol-free version of the classic Stella Artois lager. Brewed to have all the flavor of the original, this non-alcoholic option is a great choice for those looking to cut back on alcohol without sacrificing taste.
These are just a few of the many non-alcoholic beer brands available on the market. With the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, more and more breweries are creating innovative and delicious non-alcoholic options. So, whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol, live a sober lifestyle, or simply explore new flavors, there's a non-alcoholic beer brand out there for you.
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Non-alcoholic beer in different US states
The availability of non-alcoholic beer varies across different US states. While it is available in most states, the legal drinking age and purchasing requirements differ.
In some states, such as Ohio, individuals under 21 are permitted to purchase non-alcoholic beer, as long as they are over 18. However, in other states like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing non-alcoholic beer if it contains 0.5% ABV or more.
Some states have more complex regulations. For example, in Alabama, the sale of non-alcoholic beer is not regulated in wet counties, but it is prohibited in dry counties. In many states, minors may be allowed to consume non-alcoholic beer under certain conditions, such as with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian.
The availability of non-alcoholic beer also depends on retailer policies, which can vary from store to store. Some stores may have stricter policies and choose not to sell non-alcoholic beers to individuals under 21, regardless of state regulations.
Despite these variations, non-alcoholic beer is generally becoming more popular and widely available in the US. It can be found in stores, bars, pubs, and restaurants, as well as online. Heineken 0.0, for example, is now widely available in stores and on tap. Other popular options include Athletic Brewing Company's Run Wild IPA and Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects Hoppy Amber Non-Alcoholic Beer.
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Non-alcoholic beer and parental supervision
Non-alcoholic beer is similar in taste and production process to conventional beer, but it is advertised as a beverage that does not contain alcohol. While it is often labelled as "non-alcoholic", non-alcoholic beer typically contains up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This means that, while it is not completely alcohol-free, the alcohol content is very low and will not cause intoxication when consumed in moderation.
In the United States, purchasing alcoholic beverages, including beer, requires buyers to be at least 21 years old. However, the laws regarding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages by minors vary across states. In some states, such as Ohio, minors are allowed to purchase non-alcoholic beer, while in others, like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, they are not. In many states, the laws are undefined or not straightforward, and retailers may require customers to be at least 21 to avoid legal loopholes.
Even if minors are not allowed to purchase non-alcoholic beer in their state, they may still be able to consume it under certain conditions. In most states, individuals under 21 can drink non-alcoholic beer under their parents' supervision. This means that a minor can drink non-alcoholic beer at a party or gathering if they are accompanied by their parents, and their parents must be the ones to purchase the beverages. Additionally, minors under 18 may be permitted to drink non-alcoholic beer with their parents' permission, but they typically cannot consume it in clubs, pubs, or bars, even if their parents are present.
It is important to note that non-alcoholic beer is still regulated by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, even though its alcoholic content is below the level considered to be an alcoholic beverage. This is because any malt beverage is regulated by the FAA, which does not indicate an ABV minimum.
When it comes to driving, it is best to avoid consuming non-alcoholic beer, as it is still viewed as an alcoholic beverage by authorities in most states and is subject to open container laws. Additionally, under-21 individuals should be aware that it is illegal to drive when their blood alcohol level is 0.02% or higher.
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