Understanding The Legal Drinking Age: Beer Buying Restrictions

The legal drinking age and the age at which one can buy beer varies across the world. In the United States, for example, the legal drinking age is 21, and this is true for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, this age limit has changed over time and was once as low as 18 in some states. In other parts of the world, the legal drinking age is 18, and in some countries, there is no minimum age limit. The age at which one can buy beer also depends on the type of beer, with non-alcoholic beer having different regulations than alcoholic beer.

In the US, you must be 21 to buy beer

In colonial America, there were generally no age restrictions on buying alcohol, and it was common for young teenagers to drink, even in taverns. After the Revolution, however, this freedom gradually decreased due to the growing influence of religious sentiments and the temperance movement, as well as a recognition of the dangers of alcohol among the medical community.

Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, most states set the minimum purchase age at 21, as this was the voting age at the time. This remained constant until the early 1970s when, following the passing of the 26th Amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18, many states also lowered the drinking age to 18.

In 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed, requiring states to raise their age for purchase and public possession of alcohol to 21 by October 1986 or lose 10% of their federal highway funds. By mid-1988, all 50 states and the District of Columbia had complied with this legislation, setting the purchase age at 21 across the US.

While this remains the law today, it is still a point of contention for many Americans. The current purchase age of 21 is higher than the age of majority (18 in most states) and higher than the purchase ages of most other countries. Additionally, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act has been seen by some as a sidestep of the Tenth Amendment.

Despite this, the minimum age to buy beer in the US remains at 21, although there are some exceptions in certain states for the consumption of alcohol by minors. For example, in many states, minors may consume alcohol if they are doing so under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is over the age of 21.

In Maryland, you can't buy alcohol at most grocery stores

The legal drinking age in the United States has changed over time. In colonial America, there were no age restrictions on purchasing alcohol, and consumption by young teenagers was common. After the ratification of the 21st amendment in 1933, most states set the minimum age to purchase alcohol at 21, as that was the voting age at the time. The minimum drinking age remained constant until the early 1970s, when it was lowered to 18 in several states following the passing of the 26th amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18.

In Maryland, the minimum age to buy or possess alcoholic beverages was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1974. However, in 1982, the minimum age was increased back to 21, with a grandfather clause that allowed those born before 1964 to continue drinking beer and wine. Today, the minimum age to purchase alcohol in Maryland is 21, and state law prohibits the sale of alcohol in most grocery stores, chain stores, and supermarkets.

Maryland is one of the few states that prohibit the purchase of beer and wine in grocery stores. A 1978 law bans the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and chain stores, with a few exemptions for certain stores in some counties. For example, in Montgomery County, a handful of grocery chains, including Giant Food, Safeway, and 7-Eleven, are allowed to sell beer and wine in one location thanks to a grandfather clause. Despite efforts to change the law, Marylanders still cannot purchase beer and wine in most grocery stores.

There have been several attempts to change the law and allow the sale of beer and wine in Maryland grocery stores. In 2021, State Senate Bill 763 and House Bill 996 sought to expand licensing for beer and wine sales in food retail stores but did not pass. More recently, in 2022, Del. Lily Qi and Sen. Cory McCray sponsored bills (HB506 and SB603) that would put a referendum to lift the ban on beer and wine sales in grocery stores on the November ballot. These bills aimed to give voters a choice and incentivize grocers to operate in underserved areas. While the previous bill faced criticism for potentially taking business away from liquor stores, the new iteration gives more flexibility to county liquor boards to implement the policy as they see fit.

Alcohol laws vary by county in Maryland

The minimum age to purchase alcohol in the United States has changed over time and currently stands at 21 years. However, the laws regarding alcohol vary across different states and counties. Maryland, for instance, has unique laws that differ from its neighbouring states. Alcohol laws in Maryland vary significantly by county due to the wide latitude of home rule granted to its counties.

Underage Possession and Consumption in Maryland

In Maryland, it is illegal for individuals under 21 to possess or consume alcohol. However, there are several exceptions to this rule:

• Underage individuals employed by businesses with a valid state-issued liquor license may possess but not consume alcohol while performing job duties during regular business hours. This includes serving alcoholic drinks to customers, making deliveries, or stocking shelves.
• Underage individuals may possess or consume alcohol in a private residence if it is furnished or allowed by an immediate family member, typically a parent.
• Alcohol consumption is permitted as part of religious ceremonies, such as the Roman Catholic or Episcopal Communion rite.

Furnishing Alcohol to Underage Persons in Maryland

It is illegal in Maryland to purchase alcohol for or give it to someone under the age of 21, with certain exceptions. Maryland law requires that the defendant knew the person was underage and intentionally provided them with alcohol. Additionally, it is illegal for adults who own or lease a property to allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol there, unless they are immediate family members.

Employment and Alcohol in Maryland

In Maryland, individuals must be at least 21 years old to be employed in serving or selling alcoholic beverages, although some counties have different laws. To work in another capacity at an establishment that serves alcohol, individuals must be at least 18 years old.

Open Container Laws in Maryland

Maryland has strict open container laws that prohibit open containers with any amount of alcohol within the passenger area of a motor vehicle. Passengers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol in this area, but exceptions are made for non-drivers in hired vehicles and living areas of motor homes. The driver will not be prosecuted if an occupant has an open container.

Taxation on Alcohol in Maryland

In July 2011, Maryland increased its taxation on alcohol from 6% to 9%, the first change since the 1970s. This tax is applied at the consumer level and appears as a line item on the customer's receipt.

County-Specific Alcohol Laws in Maryland

Maryland's alcohol laws can vary by county, including the hours and days that alcohol can be sold. For example, some counties, like Prince George's and Baltimore, do not allow retail alcohol sales on Sundays. Additionally, each county has different alcohol sales hours, with most allowing sales from 6 am to 2 am Monday to Saturday and varying laws for Sundays.

Purchasing Alcohol in Maryland

Maryland has unique laws regarding where alcohol can be purchased. All alcohol must be purchased from freestanding stores, and most chain stores are prohibited from selling alcohol due to a 1978 statewide ban. However, a handful of chain stores have been grandfathered in and are permitted to sell beer and wine, subject to individual county laws.

In summary, while the minimum age to purchase alcohol in Maryland is 21, the state's alcohol laws vary across counties, impacting possession, consumption, employment, open containers, taxation, purchasing locations, and sales hours and days. These laws are subject to change, and efforts are being made to update and standardise them.

In some states, minors can drink alcohol with a parent's permission

The minimum drinking age in the US is 21. However, in 45 states, minors are legally exempt from underage drinking laws under certain circumstances.

In 29 states, minors may drink with their parent's permission if they are in a private residence or on private property. In Wisconsin, those under the legal drinking age may be served, possess, or consume alcohol if they are with a parent, guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age. Similarly, in Ohio, minors may drink alcohol under the supervision of their parents at home or in a restaurant. The parent must be present at home and, in a restaurant, must order the drink and remain present while the beverage is consumed.

In eight states, minors may drink with a parent's consent in public restaurants or bars. However, it is important to note that the establishment can still refuse to serve minors if it chooses to do so. In Texas, for example, minors can drink under the supervision of their parents, but not all restaurants allow this, and bars definitely do not.

In Maryland, underage individuals may possess or consume alcohol in a private residence as long as it is furnished or allowed by a member of their immediate family (usually a parent).

While some states allow minors to drink with parental consent, others, like Indiana, do not permit this at all.

Non-alcoholic beer can be bought by under-21s in some states

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. This means that, in most states, you must be at least 21 years old to buy beer, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. However, there are some exceptions and variations to this rule when it comes to non-alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer is typically defined as a brew that contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While this is a very low percentage that would not cause intoxication, it is still technically considered an alcoholic beverage under the law. The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA) regulates non-alcoholic beers, even though their alcohol content is below the legal limit. This is due to a legal anomaly where any malt beverage is regulated by the FAA, which does not indicate an ABV minimum.

The laws surrounding the purchase of non-alcoholic beer by minors vary from state to state. In some states, such as Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, individuals under 21 are not allowed to purchase non-alcoholic beer. However, in other states, there are exceptions that allow minors to buy these beverages. For example, in Ohio, individuals over the age of 18 can legally purchase non-alcoholic beer. Additionally, in some states like Alabama, the sale of non-alcoholic beer is not regulated in wet counties, but it is prohibited in dry counties.

It's important to note that even if minors are allowed to purchase non-alcoholic beer in their state, they may still need parental permission and supervision to consume it. The laws regarding alcohol consumption for those under 21 can vary, and in some cases, minors may be allowed to consume non-alcoholic beer under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is over the age of 21.

The regulations surrounding non-alcoholic beer for minors can be complex and may depend on various factors, including the state, county, and retailer policies. It's always a good idea to check the local regulations and retailer policies before attempting to purchase non-alcoholic beer if you are under the age of 21.

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