Can Minors Buy Non-Alcoholic Beer?

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Whether or not minors are allowed to purchase non-alcoholic beer is a hot topic of discussion. It should be treated similarly to conventional alcohol, according to some, while others say that anyone over the age of 18 should be able to purchase it. In this blog article, we’ll examine all sides of the debate and share our thoughts on the subject.

Can Minors Buy Non-Alcoholic Beer?

Yes, minors can buy non-alcoholic beer in some states. However, the laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to check your local laws before purchasing any beer. 

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In general, though, most states allow minors to purchase non-alcoholic beer as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.  So if you’re looking to buy non-alcoholic beer for a minor, be sure to check the laws in your state first.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Purchase Beer Without Alcohol?

Despite the label “non-alcoholic,” beer that includes traces of alcohol is regarded the same as any strong beer.

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase any alcoholic beverages.

Only the purchase of non-alcoholic beer by minors and anyone under 21 is forbidden by law in several states. Minors are allowed to consume non-alcoholic beer anywhere, even in private settings like homes.

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Furthermore, there are no consequences if a youngster consumes non-alcoholic beer while being watched by an adult family member (age 21 or older).

Is There A Legal Drinking Age For Non-Alcoholic Beer?

Although they are marketed as “non-alcoholic,” some US states still require that the buyer is of legal drinking age because even “non-alcoholic” beers contain a very small amount of alcohol. However, there are some exceptions.

There are a few states in the US where it is acceptable to sell non-alcoholic beer to those under the age of 21. 

Because non-alcoholic beer has a very low alcohol concentration of less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, it is permissible to sell it to those under the age of 21. (ABV). Be aware that each state has restrictions for non-alcoholic beer.

The following states DO NOT forbid minors from consuming or purchasing non-alcoholic beer:

  • Minnesota
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • New Jersey
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Alaska

Alcohol drinking by minors is permitted with parental permission and/or in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If a minor is detected drinking without authorization, the penalties for 16-year-old drinking should be taken into account.

Why Is The Legal Drinking Age For Non-Alcoholic Beer 21?

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act, passed in 1984, states that the legal drinking age is 21. (NMDA). In other words, if you’re under 21, you can’t purchase alcoholic beverages.

But you must be wondering why you can’t purchase it if it’s marked “non-alcoholic” when there isn’t any alcohol in it.

Typically, beverages with a 0.5% ABV or below are labeled as “non-alcoholic” (alcohol by volume). Therefore, just because a drink is designated as “non-alcoholic” doesn’t necessarily indicate that it contains no alcohol at all. 

It might be more appropriate to call it low-alcohol beer. Because of this, it is against the law to sell non-alcoholic beverages to anybody under the age of 21.

Can Minors Who Are Drinking With Their Parents?

Many states permit minors to consume alcohol while being watched over by a family member, in this case, a parent, guardian, or spouse. 

While some states demand that alcoholic beverages only be drunk when a family member is present, others demand that the minor obtain the beverages directly from the family member. When it is consumed outside of their state, they must offer it and be present.

Many states only permit minors under the age of 18 to consume alcohol on licensed properties like bars if a parent, spouse, or guardian is present and approves of it.

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According to social laws in several places, anyone who owns manages, or rents private property is liable for underage drinking, whether or not they provide the alcohol.

Other circumstances in which minors may be permitted to consume alcohol include:

  • For religious reasons, many jurisdictions permit drinking during religious events like Communion in various Christian groups.
  • Minors may be advised to utilize medications that include traces of alcohol when seeking treatment.
  • Students taking culinary courses are allowed to consume alcohol as part of their education.
  • For juveniles participating in sting operations or acting as undercover agents, the authorities permit alcohol intake.
  • Drinks can be purchased for work by minors in the food and beverage industry. It should be noted that in this instance, the staff is only permitted to buy the drinks for work purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can NA Beer Give You A Buzz?

The amount of alcohol in a non-alcoholic beer, often known as “near beer,” is typically around 0.5%, which is around ten times less than in a conventional beer can.

Can Children Consume Kombucha?

Kids can safely drink kombucha. Kombucha has less sugar than popular kids’ beverages like soda and fruit juice, making it the best choice for guardians and parents who want to keep their children healthy.

Some medical practitioners assert that Kombucha contains probiotics and B vitamins in addition to having low sugar levels.

You will have to cope with the alcohol content of kombucha as a problem. It is legally considered a non-alcoholic beverage because its ABV is less than 0.5%.