Where Pennsylvania stands on underage drinking

On Behalf of | Jan 19, 2018 | Underage Drinking |

It is generally illegal in all of the United States for those under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. However, there are exceptions to this law in 45 states. These exceptions to the rule very widely; therefore, it is important for everyone, especially those under the age of 21 and their parents, to fully understand the alcohol consumption laws in the state that they are in.

In 29 states, it is legal for those under the age of 21 to consume alcohol as long as they are in a private premises that does not sell alcohol, and they have parental consent. It is also legal for religious purposes in 26 states and for medical purposes in 16 states. However, this is not true for Pennsylvania.

What are the exceptions to underage drinking in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the underage drinking laws are relatively strict compared to other states. The only situation in which a minor will not be prosecuted for engaging in underage drinking is when he or she needs to report the medical condition of another minor who has been drinking.

This exception to the law is done to decrease the dangers by encouraging medical conditions to be reported. Many minors who have been drinking underage might worry that reporting their friend’s condition might put them in trouble with the law, but in Pennsylvania this would not be an issue.

It is important to fully understand the underage drinking laws in different states, as they vary widely, especially if you are a parent or guardian of a minor who is concerned about underage drinking.

Source: ProCon, “45 States That Allow Underage (under 21) Alcohol Consumption,” accessed Jan. 10, 2018