Buying Beer As An Underager: A Guide

There are many ways that underage people obtain beer and other alcoholic drinks. In the UK, it is illegal to buy alcohol if you are under 18 years old, but some minors get around this by using fake IDs, wearing disguises, or asking strangers to buy alcohol for them. Some underage drinkers also steal alcohol or take it from home without permission. While it is illegal for parents to give their children alcohol to drink in public, it is not against the law for them to drink under supervision in private homes, with parental permission.

Ask parents, older siblings, or friends

Asking your parents, older siblings, or friends to buy you beer when you're underage can be a tricky situation, but here are some tips to help you navigate it:

Asking Your Parents:

• It's important to have a good relationship with your parents and earn their trust. If they know you are responsible and mature, they may be more inclined to help you out.
• Be honest and open about your intentions. Explain why you want to try beer and assure them that you will be safe and responsible.
• Offer to do extra chores or help out more around the house in exchange for their assistance. This shows maturity and responsibility on your part.
• Some parents may be more open to the idea if you plan to drink at home or in a controlled environment. Discuss your plans for drinking responsibly and safely.

Asking Older Siblings:

• Older siblings can be a good option as they are more likely to understand your desire to experiment.
• Again, be honest and open about your intentions. Explain that you trust them and want their help to ensure you do this safely.
• Offer to return the favour in any way you can. For example, you could offer to cover the cost or do something for them in return.
• Make sure they understand the legal risks involved and that you will take responsibility for any consequences.

Asking Friends:

• Choose your friends wisely. Approach a friend who is older, responsible, and trustworthy.
• Be selective about who you ask. It's better to ask a close friend who you can trust to be discreet and who understands the risks involved.
• Offer to compensate them for their help. This could be in the form of money, a favour, or returning the favour in some other way.
• Make sure your friend understands the potential legal consequences and that you are willing to take responsibility if anything goes wrong.

Remember, it's important to be respectful and understanding if any of these people refuse to help you. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to breaking the law, even if it's just buying beer for a minor.

Pay someone else to buy it

If you are underage and want to buy beer, one option is to pay someone else to buy it for you. This is illegal, but some people do it by hanging out in a parking lot near a liquor store and asking a stranger to purchase the beer for them. You could offer to pay them more than the cost of the beer as an incentive. For example, if the beer costs $20, you could offer the stranger $40 to buy it for you.

Another option is to ask older friends or family members to buy beer for you. This is a common way for minors to get alcohol, as almost 72% of teens who drink obtain it for free from friends or family. However, it is important to note that in some places, it is illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol on behalf of a minor.

If you are a minor and you are caught trying to buy beer, there can be legal consequences. The police may stop, fine, or arrest you. You could also face a criminal record, which could affect your future job prospects and ability to travel to certain countries.

It is worth considering the potential risks and consequences before attempting to buy beer as a minor, and it is recommended that you wait until you are of legal age to consume alcohol.

Use a fake ID

Using a fake ID is a common way for minors to obtain alcohol. Here are some tips on how to use a fake ID to buy beer as an underager:

Firstly, you need to obtain a fake ID. This can be done by altering your own ID or passport, such as by changing the date of birth using photo editing software. Alternatively, you can purchase a fake ID online or borrow one from a friend who looks similar to you. It is important to ensure that the ID looks authentic and that the details are consistent, including the name, date of birth, address, and any other information.

Once you have the fake ID, practice acting confidently as the person on the ID. Memorize the details and be prepared to answer questions about the information on the ID, such as your date of birth or address. It is also a good idea to dress in a way that makes you look older and more similar to the person on the ID.

When going to a store to buy beer, try to choose a busy time when staff may be more rushed and less likely to scrutinize your ID. Act confidently and naturally, as if you are in a hurry or on an important phone call. Approach the counter and select the beer you want to purchase. If asked for ID, provide your fake ID smoothly and calmly, maintaining eye contact with the cashier. Do not act nervous or fidgety, as this may arouse suspicion.

Be prepared for the cashier to inspect the ID closely. They may check for signs of tampering or inconsistencies in the ID. If they question the authenticity of the ID or ask you to verify any information, remain calm and confident. Try to provide additional details or explanations to support your claim. For example, if they question your date of birth, you can provide the correct zodiac sign or birth season associated with that date.

Remember that using a fake ID to purchase alcohol as an underager is illegal and can have serious consequences if you are caught. This method may not always work, and there is a risk of getting your fake ID confiscated or facing legal repercussions. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks involved and make your own informed decision about using this method.

Find a store clerk who fails to check ID

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

• Time your visit: Try going to the store during busy hours when the clerk is more likely to be rushed or distracted. They may be less diligent about checking IDs when there are long lines or many customers waiting.
• Target smaller stores: Larger stores with self-checkouts or multiple cashiers may have stricter ID policies and better training for their staff. Smaller stores with fewer staff may be more likely to have clerks who don't consistently check IDs.
• Look for younger clerks: Younger clerks may be more sympathetic to your cause and might be more likely to forget or neglect to ask for ID. They may also be less experienced and not as strict about following the rules.
• Visit multiple stores: If you consistently visit the same store, the clerks may eventually recognize you and become suspicious. Vary your routine by visiting different stores in your area to increase your chances of finding a clerk who doesn't check IDs.
• Be confident: Act like you've done this before and you know what you're doing. Confidence can go a long way. Walk into the store with purpose, know what you want, and don't hesitate or show any signs of nervousness.
• Dress the part: Try altering your appearance to look older. For example, you could wear a suit, which might make you seem more mature and less likely to be questioned about your age.
• Distract the clerk: Try engaging the clerk in conversation or creating a sense of urgency. For example, act like you're in a hurry or on an important phone call. They may be less likely to ask for ID if they're distracted or feel pressured to complete the transaction quickly.

Remember that attempting to purchase beer as a minor is illegal and there are risks involved. These tips may increase your chances of finding a clerk who fails to check your ID, but there is still a possibility of getting caught or facing consequences if discovered.

Steal it

Stealing beer is illegal and can result in criminal charges. However, if you are an underage person determined to obtain beer, you may consider this option. Here are some ways that underage individuals have been known to steal beer:

• From Commercial Outlets: Large commercial outlets such as grocery stores are common targets for theft due to their size and the perception that cashiers are too busy to pay close attention. Look for blind spots, such as aisles without security cameras, to slip beer into your pocket or backpack unnoticed. Some stores have specific no-chase policies that prohibit employees from chasing or apprehending shoplifters, so once you make it out the door, you're less likely to be caught.
• Exploiting Theft Prevention Devices: Bottle security caps are designed to prevent theft, but they can be removed by hitting them on the ground or using other tricks. Information on how to remove these caps is often shared among peers.
• Stealing from Home: Taking beer without permission from home liquor cabinets or from parents, older siblings, or friends is a common way for underage individuals to obtain alcohol.
• Shoplifting Beer from Stores: Some underage individuals have been known to shoplift beer by placing it at the bottom of their shopping cart and acting as if they forgot it was there. This method may or may not work, depending on the store's security measures and employee vigilance.
• Stealing from Restaurants: One creative way to steal beer is to go to a restaurant, grab an empty beer glass, and then ask the server for another beer, pretending that you are an adult who was already served.

Remember, stealing is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and a criminal record. These methods are not recommended, and there are safer and legal alternatives for obtaining beer if you are of legal age.

Frequently asked questions