A Foreigner's Guide To Buying Beer Legally

Whether you're travelling or have moved to a new country, buying beer as a foreigner can be a confusing process. Each country has its own laws and regulations surrounding the purchase of alcohol, and these can be hard to navigate if you're not familiar with the local language or customs. In some countries, like Japan, you can buy alcohol almost anywhere, while in others, you may need to go to a specific store or website. Age restrictions also vary by country, and you may need to provide ID to prove your age. Some countries also have rules about how much alcohol you can buy at once, or bring into the country, and it's important to be aware of any penalties for breaking these rules.

Buying beer online

The internet has made it possible to buy beer online and have it delivered to your doorstep without ever having to leave your house. Here are some tips for buying beer online:

• Age Verification: Most reputable websites will require age verification to ensure that you are of legal drinking age, typically 21 years or older.
• Shipping Restrictions: Before placing an order, check the seller's shipping restrictions. Beer sellers often have specific states or regions where they are allowed to ship their products due to alcohol shipping laws. For example, CraftShack ships to all the lower 48 states but not to Alaska, Hawaii, or international addresses.
• Shipping Rates: Consider the shipping rates before placing an order. Sometimes, it is more cost-effective to buy multiple beers in one order rather than purchasing a single beer or a few beers at a time. Calculate the shipping rates and determine the optimal quantity for your order.
• Compare Prices: It is advisable to compare prices between multiple websites before making a purchase. This way, you can find the best deal and choose a seller that aligns with your budget.
• Avoid Individual Sellers: Avoid buying beer from individuals selling on sites like eBay. Instead, stick to established online beer retailers or the websites of reputable breweries.

Now that we've covered some essential tips, let's explore some popular websites for buying beer online:

• CraftShack: CraftShack is an online marketplace that connects customers with smaller craft-centric bottleshops. They offer a wide variety of craft beers, and you can save on shipping by ordering larger quantities.
• Untappd Shop: The world's largest social media craft beer app has launched its own e-commerce platform. Untappd Shop offers over 250 beers and collaborates with some of the best breweries in the country. They often feature exclusive, limited-edition bundles.
• Oznr: Oznr is an app that allows breweries to release new offerings digitally and build excitement through pre-sales, waitlists, and raffles. Some breweries on the app offer direct-to-door shipping.
• Half Time: Half Time is a New York-based virtual bottleshop offering one of the largest selections of beer and cider. You can order as little as a single can or as much as a case, and they ship to various states across the country.
• Tavour: Tavour uses a subscription format, allowing customers to fill up a box of beers over time before shipping it out. They constantly rotate their offerings, so you'll need to stay updated through their app.
• Craft Beer Kings: This website offers a wide range of hype beers from breweries across the country. You can craft your own monthly subscription boxes or purchase exclusive collaborations. They ship to most of the contiguous U.S. (lower 48 states).
• Best Damn Beer Shop: Best Damn Beer Shop is a San Diego-based retailer. They offer same-day pickup for local customers and ship exciting West Coast beers to out-of-state customers. There is a minimum order of $40 and six bottles, and they ship to various states across the country.

Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your online beer purchases!

Buying beer in-store

When buying beer in-store as a foreigner, it's important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase and consumption. While the legal drinking age is 21 in all states across the US, ID requirements can vary from state to state and even between stores. Most states do allow passports to be used as ID when buying alcohol, but this is not always the case. Some states, like Texas, do not require any ID if the customer looks above 21.

To ensure a smooth transaction, it is recommended to carry a valid passport as proof of age and identity. However, some retailers may be unfamiliar with foreign passports and their security features, which could lead to delays or even rejection. In such cases, it is advisable to remain calm and patient, as getting into arguments may only worsen the situation. Additionally, some establishments may require secondary verification, so having a second form of ID, such as a driver's license or social security card, can be helpful.

It is worth noting that using a passport as ID has its pros and cons. On the one hand, a passport is a widely accepted and secure document that is easy to carry when travelling. On the other hand, passports can be expensive and time-consuming to replace if lost or damaged, and there is a risk of identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep passports in a safe place and only carry them when necessary.

To increase the chances of a successful beer purchase as a foreigner, it is advisable to research the specific rules and regulations of the state and establishment before making a purchase. Additionally, calling the store in advance to confirm their ID requirements can save time and potential disappointment.

In summary, when buying beer in-store as a foreigner, always carry a valid passport, be prepared to present secondary identification if needed, and stay informed about the local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any legal consequences.

Buying beer abroad

When buying beer abroad, it's important to be aware of the drinking laws in the country you're visiting. In some countries, such as Japan, you can buy alcohol almost anywhere, from convenience stores to grocery stores, and there are no legal requirements to show ID when purchasing alcohol. In other countries, you must be a certain age to drink or purchase alcohol, and you may be required to show ID to prove your age. It's always good to carry ID with you when travelling, especially if you look younger than the legal drinking age.

Drinking culture varies from country to country, so it's worth researching the local customs before you buy beer abroad. For example, in Japan, drinking alcohol outdoors is generally acceptable, but drinking on public transport is frowned upon due to the potential for causing offence with the smell.

If you're planning to bring alcohol back from your trip, be sure to check the local laws and regulations. For example, when returning to France from another European Union country, you can bring alcohol back, but there are maximum quantities allowed per person, and you must be of legal drinking age. These rules can vary depending on the country you're travelling from, so it's important to research the specific regulations for your destination and point of origin.

When buying beer abroad, you may also want to consider trying local specialties or craft beers to get a taste of the local culture. Many countries have a variety of unique beers to offer, so it can be a great opportunity to explore new flavours and styles.

Drinking beer in public

In Japan, drinking alcohol outdoors is legitimate, and you don't have to worry about getting arrested. However, drinking on trains is uncommon due to the Japanese people's consciousness about the smell. On the other hand, drinking in shinkansen and long-trip trains is acceptable as these trains take a longer time to arrive at their destination.

In the United States, open container laws vary from state to state. Most states prohibit possessing or consuming an open container of alcohol in public places, while some states, such as Indiana and New Orleans, allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public.

In Europe, public drinking laws also differ from country to country. For example, in Austria, the consumption of open containers of alcohol is legal for those of legal drinking age. In the United Kingdom, public drinking is generally accepted, and there are no specific laws against it. However, in London, the conditions of carriage on public transportation usually ban the carrying of open alcohol containers.

It's important to note that the definition of "public places" in the context of drinking laws typically refers to outdoor spaces like roads, walkways, and parks, excluding bars, restaurants, and stadiums. Additionally, open container laws aim to restrict public intoxication and the dangerous act of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Age restrictions

When purchasing beer as a foreigner, it is important to be aware of and comply with the age restrictions that may be in place. Age restrictions for buying alcohol vary across different countries and regions. For example, in Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old, and while ID cards are not always checked, some stores may require you to confirm your age by pushing a button on the screen at the cashier.

In the United States, the legal drinking age is typically 21 years old, as indicated by the age verification requirements on websites selling alcohol. Similarly, websites and stores selling imported beer in the US often require users to confirm that they are of legal drinking age, which is 21.

In France, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. When bringing alcohol into the country from abroad, individuals must be of legal age and comply with the maximum quantity restrictions. These restrictions apply to both personal and public transport, and failure to adhere to these rules can result in sanctions, including confiscation of products, seizure of vehicles, and even a prison sentence.

It is important to note that these age restrictions may not be universal for foreigners, as some countries have different legal drinking ages for visitors. Additionally, the requirements and enforcement of age verification may vary depending on the retailer and the region. It is always advisable to carry a valid ID and be prepared to present it when purchasing alcohol in a foreign country.

Frequently asked questions