Ontario's Non-Alcoholic Beer Age Limit: What's The Rule?

how old to buy non alcoholic beer in ontario

In Ontario, Canada, the legal drinking age is 19. However, there is no age limit for purchasing non-alcoholic beer. This means that minors can buy non-alcoholic beer in Ontario, even though they are prohibited from purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Characteristics Values
Minimum age to buy non-alcoholic beer in Ontario None
Minimum age to buy alcoholic beer in Ontario 19

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The drinking age law is enforced by LCBO staff, who are trained to ensure that alcohol stays out of the hands of minors. In one incident, a mother attempted to purchase a small case of beer from an LCBO store but was refused service when her 17-year-old son touched the case and was unable to show ID. The staff member handling the transaction refused to sell the alcohol, citing the rules that no one under the age of 19 can touch alcoholic products. The mother was embarrassed and angered by the situation, but the LCBO spokesperson later stated that the staff member was simply following protocol.

While non-alcoholic beer is not explicitly mentioned in the source detailing Ontario's drinking age laws, it can be assumed that the same rules would apply. Therefore, it is likely that individuals under the age of 19 would not be permitted to purchase non-alcoholic beer in Ontario, as it is still considered a beer product and could contain trace amounts of alcohol.

It is important to note that the legal drinking age varies by province in Canada, and some provinces may have different regulations regarding the purchase of non-alcoholic beverages by minors. However, in Ontario, the law is clear that individuals under the age of 19 are not permitted to purchase any type of alcoholic beverage, including beer.

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Non-alcoholic beer typically contains up to 0.5% ABV

In Ontario, there is no age limit for purchasing non-alcoholic beer. This means that a minor can buy non-alcoholic beer, which is confirmed by several comments on a Reddit thread. However, it is worth noting that non-alcoholic beer is not completely alcohol-free.

It is important to note that the term "non-alcoholic" can be misleading. While non-alcoholic beers have a significantly lower alcohol content compared to regular beers, they may still contain a small amount of alcohol. This is because it is challenging to remove all traces of alcohol from beer during the brewing process. Various methods are used to reduce alcohol content, such as controlled fermentation, dealcoholization, dilution, or simulated fermentation. However, these methods may not always eliminate 100% of the alcohol.

Additionally, there are instances where non-alcoholic beers may contain more alcohol than advertised. Studies have shown that some beverages labelled as having 0.0% ABV did contain alcohol, with levels reaching up to 1.8% ABV. This discrepancy can be concerning for individuals who need to abstain from alcohol completely, such as those recovering from alcoholism or pregnant women. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware that non-alcoholic beers may still contain a small amount of alcohol, even if the label indicates otherwise.

In summary, non-alcoholic beer typically contains up to 0.5% ABV, and the laws regarding the purchase of such beverages by minors vary across different regions. While non-alcoholic beers offer a reduced alcohol alternative, it is important to understand that they may not be entirely alcohol-free and can have complex legal considerations.

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In Ontario, there is no age limit for buying non-alcoholic beer. However, in the US, the legal drinking age is 21. This means that alcohol cannot be sold to people younger than 21. The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws are in place to protect everyone, especially young people, from alcohol-related harm. These laws have been proven to save lives by reducing motor vehicle crashes, underage drinking, and improving individual and community health.

The MLDA in the US has not always been set at 21. Before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the legal drinking age varied by state. However, due to the efforts of citizen advocacy groups and the Federal Government, the legal drinking age was raised to 21 in all states by 1988. This change was driven by the concern for the safety of young people and the desire to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Research has shown that a higher MLDA is effective in preventing injuries and deaths among youth. Studies have found that when the MLDA was lowered, traffic crashes and traffic deaths among teenagers increased significantly. On the other hand, when the MLDA was raised, alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems decreased. This is particularly important as alcohol use among youth is linked to various issues such as traffic crashes, drownings, vandalism, assaults, and teenage pregnancies.

While the MLDA laws have been successful in reducing underage drinking and its associated harms, there is still room for improvement in enforcement. Minors can still easily access alcohol from commercial and social sources, and many establishments do not actively enforce age restrictions. To further deter adults from providing alcohol to minors and reduce alcohol-related harm, increased enforcement of MLDA laws and stricter penalties for non-compliance are necessary.

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

In Ontario, Canada, there is no age restriction on buying non-alcoholic beer. However, in the United States, the laws vary from state to state. While the national minimum drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 21, some states have different rules when it comes to non-alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer, which typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), falls under the regulation of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA). Interestingly, the FAA does not specify an ABV minimum. This has created a legal anomaly, as any malt beverage is regulated by the FAA, regardless of its alcoholic content.

As a result, some states allow minors to purchase non-alcoholic beer, while others do not. For example, in Ohio, individuals over the age of 18 can buy non-alcoholic beer. On the other hand, states like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming prohibit the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors if the ABV is 0.5% or higher.

In some states, the laws are less clear-cut. For instance, in Alabama, the sale of non-alcoholic beer is not regulated in "wet" counties, but it is prohibited in "dry" counties. Additionally, some states allow minors to consume non-alcoholic beer under certain conditions, such as with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian.

Due to the complexity of these laws and retailer policies, many stores and online retailers choose to require customers to be at least 21 to purchase non-alcoholic beer, even in states where it is legal for minors to buy it.

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In Ontario, wines and spirits can only be purchased from the LCBO

In the Canadian province of Ontario, wines and spirits can only be purchased from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). The LCBO is a Crown agency that retails and distributes alcoholic beverages in the province. It was established in 1927 by the government of Premier George Howard Ferguson to sell liquor, wine, and beer, following the end of prohibition in the province.

For nearly a century, LCBO stores were the only retail outlets licensed to sell alcohol in Ontario, except for beer, which was primarily sold by The Beer Store, and wine, which was sold in some independent wine shops. In 2015, the LCBO authorized some supermarkets to sell cider, wine, and beer, weakening its quasi-monopoly status. As of 2016, nearly 130 grocery stores were licensed to sell these alcoholic beverages, and 450 were expected to be licensed by 2020.

The LCBO offers a wide range of wines, spirits, and beers from around the world. If a customer wishes to purchase a product that is not available in LCBO stores, they can use the LCBO's Specialty Services department. This department contacts the supplier, obtains a price quote, and arranges for the product to be shipped to Ontario for pickup. The LCBO's private ordering service ensures that all customs and regulatory requirements are met, reducing the likelihood of complications arising from missing documentation.

In addition to retail stores, residents of Ontario can also import beverage alcohol for personal use when returning from a trip abroad or by arranging for direct shipment to the province. However, certain protocols must be followed, including age and quantity restrictions, and providing the necessary documentation and proof of purchase.

While there are no specific age restrictions for purchasing non-alcoholic beer in Ontario, it is worth noting that the legal drinking age for alcoholic beverages in the province is typically 19 years or older.

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Frequently asked questions

There is no age limit to buy non-alcoholic beer in Ontario.

Yes, you can buy non-alcoholic beer if you're under 18 in Ontario.

No, wines and spirits can only be purchased from provincially controlled outlets known as the "LCBO" (Liquor Control Board of Ontario).

Yes, you can buy non-alcoholic beer online without providing an ID.

No, you cannot drink non-alcoholic beer in a bar if you're under 18 because it looks similar to regular beer and could be easily switched with someone else's drink.

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