Buying Beer: A Guide For The Underage Drinker

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21. However, non-alcoholic beer, which typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), is available for purchase by those under 21 in some states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, and Ohio. The laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across state lines, and some states have undefined laws, leaving retailers to create their own policies to avoid legal repercussions. In addition to state laws, retailers may also implement their own age restrictions, and some will not sell non-alcoholic beer to individuals under 21. While the purchase of non-alcoholic beer may be restricted for those under 21, consumption is not always prohibited. Minors can drink non-alcoholic beer with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian in many states.

Non-alcoholic beer

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, and this applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. However, the laws regarding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer by those under 21 vary from state to state. While federal law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, the laws around non-alcoholic drinks are less clear. Some states, like Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, restrict the sale of non-alcoholic beer to those under 21 if the beverage contains 0.5% ABV or higher. In Alabama, the sale of non-alcoholic beer is not regulated in wet counties, but it is prohibited in dry counties.

On the other hand, some states allow minors to purchase non-alcoholic beers. For example, in Ohio, individuals over the age of 18 can buy these drinks. Additionally, in some states, minors can consume non-alcoholic beer under certain conditions. For instance, in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and several other states, individuals under 21 can drink non-alcoholic beer with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian.

The laws and retailer policies regarding the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors can be complex and inconsistent, so it is essential to be aware of the regulations in your specific state or region. While non-alcoholic beer may seem like a harmless alternative to traditional beer, some researchers have expressed concerns that it could serve as a gateway to alcohol consumption for minors. As a result, there have been calls for clear and consistent age restrictions on the purchase of these beverages across all states.

Fake ID

While it may be tempting to create a fake ID to buy beer if you're under the legal drinking age, it's important to remember that doing so is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including jail time and hefty fines. If you're set on making one, however, here's how:

Method 1: Using Cardstock

Step 1: Scan an ID

You can use your own ID and modify the details, or use someone else's with similar measurements, hair and eye colour. Scan both the front and back to ensure the barcode on the back matches the ID on the front.

Step 2: Open the Scan in an Image Editor

Use software like Photoshop, GIMP, Photoscape, Sumo Paint or Paint.Net. If using someone else's ID, paste your photo over the existing one, ensuring it's the same size.

Step 3: Modify Text and Details

Identify the font used in the ID and change the name, birthdate, codes and license number. Ensure the details match the photo.

Step 4: Print and Cut

Print the modified ID on heavy cardstock (100-130 lb) and cut it out with scissors or a utility knife.

Step 5: Glue and Laminate

Glue the sides of the cardstock together, let it dry, then laminate the ID using a laminator on a medium-low heat setting.

Method 2: High-Quality Fake

Step 1: Source Materials

Purchase Teslin paper, which resembles the cardstock used for government IDs. Also, get a butterfly laminate pouch that matches the thickness of the ID you're copying.

Step 2: Find a Template

Find an ID template online that matches the state ID you're trying to replicate. You may need to download it from a torrent site or the deep web.

Step 3: Take a Photo

Use a camera and tripod to take a new photo with the same background colour as the ID template. Adjust the lighting to replicate professional photos.

Step 4: Edit the Photo

Use software like Photoshop, Fireworks or GIMP to edit the photo and make it resemble a real ID photo. Adjust the contrast, brightness and saturation.

Step 5: Combine Photo and Template

Drag the photo onto the template, trimming any edges to make it fit. Adjust the text to match your details, including eye and hair colour codes, and any restriction/endorsement codes. Add your signature using a thin paint tool.

Step 6: Print and Laminate

Set your printer to the highest resolution and ensure ink levels are high. Print the ID on the Teslin paper, then fold it into the butterfly laminate pouch. Laminate the pouch on a medium heat setting and trim the edges.

Remember, it is highly illegal to create and use a fake ID, and there are serious consequences if you're caught.

Brewing your own beer

Gather the Right Equipment and Ingredients:

You'll need some basic brewing equipment, such as a brewing kettle (a large stainless steel pot), a fermenter, a funnel, and a siphon. You can either purchase a home brewing kit or buy the ingredients separately. The key ingredients you'll need include grains (malted barley or other malted/non-malted grains), hops, yeast, and water.

Sanitize Everything:

Cleanliness is crucial in brewing. Make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment that will come into contact with your beer. Use a dishwasher on a high-heat setting or a powdered cleanser like PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash). Rinse everything with clean, potable water, distilled water, or bottled water.

Prepare the Wort:

Fill your brewing kettle with 5 gallons (19 litres) of water and heat it to 150°F (66°C). Steep your grains in a grain bag in the hot water for about 30 minutes. Remove the grains and let the water drip back into the pot. Do not squeeze the bag, as it can extract tannins and affect the flavour. Add your malt and bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add hops and other ingredients for additional flavour.

Cool and Transfer the Wort:

Chill the wort (the grainy, malted liquid) to around 80°F (27°C). You can use an ice bath or a wort chiller. Once cooled, transfer the wort into your fermenter using a funnel. Top it off with water if needed to reach the desired volume.

Add Yeast and Ferment:

Open the yeast packet with sterilized scissors and add it to the fermenter. Gently shake the fermenter and seal it with an airtight stopper. Store the fermenter in a dark, cool place, ideally at a consistent room temperature, for about two weeks.

Bottle and Age Your Beer:

After fermentation, it's time to bottle your beer. Clean and sanitize your bottles and add a touch of priming sugar or DME (dried malt extract) to each bottle. This will provide carbonation. Use a siphon to gently transfer the beer from the fermenter into the bottles. Cap the bottles and store them in a dark place at room temperature for at least one to two weeks.

Enjoy Your Beer:

After ageing, your beer is ready to be chilled and enjoyed! Remember to leave a small amount of beer in the bottle, as the sediment at the bottom can have an off-putting taste and may cause digestive issues.

Drinking laws

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, although this varies in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, where the age is 18. Some states do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or bars, and only a few states prohibit minors and young adults from consuming alcohol in private settings.

Canada also has a varied legal drinking age, with a minimum age of 19 in most provinces and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec.

In Europe, the drinking age is generally set at 16 or 18. However, in the United Kingdom, the minimum legal age to consume alcohol in public places is 18, but there is no minimum age for drinking alcohol in private places, except in England and Wales, where the minimum age is five for supervised consumption.

Some other countries with a minimum drinking age of 18 include Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. On the other hand, some countries in the Middle East have a higher drinking age of 21, such as Bahrain and Egypt.

It is important to note that the laws regarding drinking ages can vary within a country, and there may be exceptions for religious or educational purposes, parental consent, or consumption under supervision.

Purchasing laws

The laws surrounding the purchase of non-alcoholic beer by minors are less clear and vary by state. While some states explicitly prohibit the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors, others have no age restrictions, leaving it up to retailers to set their own policies. For example, in Ohio, minors must be over 18 to purchase non-alcoholic beer, while in Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, it is prohibited for those under 21.

In other countries, the legal drinking age may differ, and consequently, the purchasing laws for beer will vary accordingly. It is important to note that the information provided here focuses primarily on the laws in the United States, and individuals in other countries should refer to their local laws and regulations.

To comply with purchasing laws, retailers may require customers to present valid identification before selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to ensure they meet the legal age requirements. These laws are in place to prevent underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

Additionally, it is worth noting that while individuals below the legal drinking age may be able to purchase non-alcoholic beer in some states, the sale of brewing equipment and supplies to minors is a separate legal matter. Some states have laws prohibiting the sale of brewing equipment to minors, while others do not specifically address this issue.

In summary, the purchasing laws for beer, especially non-alcoholic beer, can be complex and vary across different regions. It is essential to refer to the specific laws and regulations in your area to understand the legal implications and make informed decisions regarding the purchase and consumption of these beverages.

Frequently asked questions