Underage Drinking: Buying Beer Illegally And The Consequences

There are many ways that underage people try to buy beer. Some common methods include using a fake ID, asking an older friend or sibling to purchase it for them, or finding a store clerk who fails to check IDs. Some underage people even try to make their own beer or steal it from stores or their parents' liquor cabinets. While these methods may be tempting for minors, it's important to remember that drinking alcohol underage can have serious health risks and legal consequences.

Ask parents, older siblings or friends

Asking parents, older siblings, or friends to buy beer for you when you're underage can be a tricky situation to navigate. Here are some tips to help you approach it:

Asking Parents:

• Be honest and open: It's important to be honest and open with your parents about your desire to experiment with alcohol. However, it's crucial to approach the conversation maturely and respectfully. Express your curiosity and willingness to learn about drinking responsibly.
• Discuss safety and responsibility: Emphasize your commitment to drinking safely and responsibly. Share your plans for safe transportation, such as having a designated driver or using public transportation. Discuss any rules or expectations they may have and assure them that you will follow them.
• Offer to drink with them: Suggest drinking with your parents in a controlled environment. This can help them feel more comfortable and allow them to model responsible drinking behaviors.
• Understand their perspective: Recognize that your parents may have valid concerns and reservations. Listen to their perspective and try to find common ground. Show that you value their input and are willing to compromise.
• Respect their decision: Ultimately, respect your parents' decision, even if it's not what you hoped for. If they say no, thank them for considering your request, and don't argue or sneak around behind their backs.

Asking Older Siblings or Friends:

• Choose the right person: Approach an older sibling or friend whom you trust and who has experience with alcohol. Look for someone who is responsible and understands the risks involved.
• Be respectful and appreciative: When making your request, be respectful and appreciative. Recognize that you are asking a favor, and express your gratitude for their help.
• Offer to contribute financially: Let them know that you're willing to pitch in for the beer. This can help alleviate any financial burden and show that you're serious about your request.
• Discuss safety and responsibility: As with your parents, emphasize your commitment to drinking safely and responsibly. Share your plans for the evening and how you intend to get home safely.
• Be mindful of their risks: Remember that your older sibling or friend is taking a risk by purchasing alcohol for you. Be mindful of this, and don't put them in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

Remember, it's essential to follow the law and drink responsibly. These conversations are an opportunity to demonstrate your maturity and ability to handle alcohol safely.

Pay someone else to buy it

If you're underage and want to buy beer, one option is to pay someone else to do it for you. Here are some things to keep in mind if you go down this route:

Finding a Buyer

First, you'll need to find someone who's willing to buy beer for you. This could be a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Keep in mind that not everyone will be comfortable breaking the law, so you may face some resistance or judgment.

Payment and Exchange

Once you've found your buyer, you'll need to give them money to cover the cost of the beer, as well as possibly an additional fee for their trouble. Discuss the details of the exchange beforehand, including where and how the beer will be handed over to you.

Legal Risks

It's important to remember that buying alcohol for a minor is illegal in many places. The person you're paying may be breaking the law and could face legal consequences if caught. Additionally, there may be laws prohibiting the purchase of alcohol with the intention of supplying it to a minor. Make sure you understand the legal risks involved before proceeding.

Avoiding Detection

To reduce the risk of getting caught, it's best to avoid making the exchange in public view. This could mean having the buyer go into the store alone or finding a discreet location to meet afterward. Be aware that some stores have strict policies against selling alcohol to customers accompanied by minors, so the buyer may need to go in without you.

Age Verification

In some places, sellers are required by law to verify the buyer's age, usually by checking their ID. Make sure your buyer has a valid ID that meets the legal requirements and isn't expired. If the buyer is significantly older than you, this may also raise suspicions, so it's best to choose someone close to the legal drinking age.

Remember that attempting to buy beer underage by paying someone else carries legal and financial risks for both you and the buyer. Always be aware of the laws and potential consequences in your area, and use your best judgment to stay safe and responsible.

Use a fake ID

Using a fake ID is one of the most common ways for minors to obtain alcohol. However, it is illegal and can result in serious consequences if caught. If you are considering using a fake ID to buy beer, here are some things you should know:

Firstly, it is important to understand the risks involved. Possessing a fake ID is illegal, and if caught, you may face penalties such as losing your driver's license, paying fines, or even facing criminal charges. In some jurisdictions, the police are required to notify the parents of minors under 18 who are caught with fake IDs. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences before deciding to use a fake ID.

Secondly, when obtaining a fake ID, it is essential to ensure that it is of high quality. A poorly made fake ID with obvious inaccuracies or discrepancies will be easily spotted by store clerks or bouncers. Investing in a high-quality fake ID that closely resembles a legitimate ID can increase your chances of success. It is worth noting that different states or countries may have varying designs and security features for their IDs, so make sure the fake ID accurately represents the region it claims to be from.

When using the fake ID, it is advisable to carry yourself with confidence and act as if the ID is genuine. Be prepared to provide additional information or answers if questioned about the details on the ID. For example, if the fake ID has an address, ensure you are familiar with the location and can describe it if needed. Additionally, be mindful of your behaviour when purchasing alcohol. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself, and do not provide any reasons for the store clerk to become suspicious.

Lastly, it is worth noting that using a fake ID may not always be successful. Store clerks or bartenders have the right to refuse service if they have doubts about the authenticity of an ID. In some cases, they may confiscate the fake ID without involving the authorities. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for the possibility of failure and have an alternative plan for obtaining alcohol. Remember, using a fake ID is illegal and carries risks, so use your best judgment and stay informed about the laws and potential consequences in your area.

Find a store clerk who doesn't check ID

If you're underage and looking to buy beer, one way to do it is to find a store clerk who doesn't check your ID. Here are some tips to help you find one:

• Look for smaller, independent stores: These stores may have more relaxed policies when it comes to ID checks. Avoid large chain stores that have strict policies and procedures in place.
• Go to stores in areas with a younger population: Stores located near colleges or areas with a high population of young adults may be more lenient with ID checks.
• Observe the store clerks: Pay attention to how they interact with other customers. If they don't seem to be strict about checking IDs, that may be a good sign.
• Time your visit: Try going to the store at quieter times when there are fewer customers. This may increase your chances of encountering a clerk who is less vigilant about checking IDs.
• Be confident and act mature: If you appear nervous or act suspiciously, you may draw attention to yourself. Walk into the store with confidence and act like you know what you're doing.

Remember, it is illegal to purchase alcohol if you are underage, and store clerks can face serious consequences for selling to minors. Be aware of the risks involved and use your best judgment.

Steal it

Stealing alcohol is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including petty theft charges and penalties for being a minor in possession of alcohol. However, some underage youth still choose to steal alcohol from commercial outlets. Here are some ways that have been reported:

• Target large commercial outlets: Youths tend to target large stores like grocery stores rather than smaller outlets like convenience stores. This is because cashiers in large stores are often busy and may not closely monitor the alcohol aisle.
• Exploit blind spots: Some stores place alcohol near the door or have areas without security cameras or blind spots that are not easily observed by employees. Youths may use these blind spots to slip bottles of alcohol into their pockets or backpacks unnoticed.
• Understand store policies: Some stores have a no-chase policy, which means employees are not allowed to chase or physically stop suspected shoplifters. Knowing which stores have such policies can reduce the risk of getting caught.
• Befriend older individuals: Minors may ask older friends or siblings to steal alcohol for them.
• Take advantage of inattentive cashiers: Youths may also take advantage of inattentive cashiers at smaller stores, such as liquor stores, by grabbing a bottle and walking out quickly.
• Remove security devices: Alcohol bottles may have security caps with sensors that set off an alarm when passing through the store exit. Some youths reported that these caps can be easily removed by hitting them on the ground or using certain tricks.

While stealing alcohol may seem like an option to obtain it underage, it is important to remember that it is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

Frequently asked questions