| Question 2341 |
| Bedhead asks... |
Is it against the law to have an alcoholic drink in your own home under the age of 21? My parents sometimes allow me to have wine or a wine cooler with dinner. I'm 19 years old. Some of my friends told me that this is illegal, but somehow I don't think so. Does it depend on what state?
I mean, I still live with my parents (they conveniently live 5 minutes away from my college) and they're not giving to anyone else, just me. So, even though I'm underage, is it okay for them to let me? I don't want them to get into any kind of trouble. |
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| Goda says... |
| The law states that the legal age for drinking is 21. There is a single form of parental exception. A parent can serve alcohol to their own child - AND ONLY THEIR OWN CHILD - within their own residence. However, the parents are legally liable under child endangerment laws if their child drinks to the point of inebriation or becomes ill due to the alcohol consumed. This exception was built into the law because several religious ceremonies conducted at home include consumption of wine. However, there is a very big difference between letting your child have a few sips of wine at the Passover Seder and throwing your kids a kegger. Also, you are never permitted to serve alcohol to anyone else's children, even if their parents give their consent. Your teenage child can aso be arrested if he serves alcohol to his friends, even if he or she is younger than 21. Parents in many states have been found guilty of knowingly allowing underage drinking in their home. |
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| :. | Posted Anonymously on 7/29/2010 at 4:39 PM |