Minimum drinking age

The minimum drinking age was established in 1984 under the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. In this act the U.S. Government required all states to raise their minimum age for the purchase and public possession of alcohol to 21 years of age. States which chose not to raise the minimum age faced a reduction in highway funds under the Federal Highway Aid Act. Currently all states are in compliance with this act.

This law does not, however, prohibit persons under 21 (also called youth or minors) from drinking. Minors may continue to drink for religious purposes, when accompanied by a parent, spouse or legal guardian age 21 or older, for medical purposes, in private clubs or establishments and if they are lawfully employed by a duly licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.

Currently, 15 states and the District of Columbia ban underage consumption by minors, 17 states do not ban underage consumption, and the remaining 18 states have family member and/or location exceptions to their underage consumption laws. If you have been arrested for minor in possession or an underage DUI it is best to talk to a DUI lawyer.