Can You Buy Non Alcoholic Beer Under 21 and Drink It?

The question “Can you buy non alcoholic beer under 21?” has likely crossed the minds of minors who want to purchase and taste these brews. Although NA beer won’t get you drunk, there is still the question of whether or not you can buy it and drink it when you’re under 21 years old.

It’s important to obey the law when it comes to alcoholic beverages so that you don’t get in trouble. Before you walk in that store or supermarket, let’s answer the question, can you buy non alcoholic beer under 21? 

Can an Under-21 Individual Buy Non Alcoholic Beer? 

An under-21 individual cannot buy non alcoholic beer in the United States. This is based on the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which was passed in 1984. Based on this, any beverage that contains alcohol, regardless of the ABV level, must be purchased by individuals 21 years old and older.

If you are under 21 years, you can’t buy NA beer. Even if it doesn’t get you drunk, these beverages are targeted toward adults, so those under 21 cannot buy them. 

– States That Allow Under-21 Persons To Buy NA Beer

Keep in mind that states in America usually have separate laws. Even if the national law states that you have to be 21 years old or above to buy all types of alcoholic beverages, including non alcoholic brews, some states allow those under 21 to buy these beverages. 

Many states have set their own laws on buying and consuming non alcoholic beverages. If you are between 18 and 21, you can buy a non alcoholic brew in these states:

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

Can You Drink Non Alcoholic Beer If You Are Under 21? 

Yes, you can drink non alcoholic beer if you are under 21 with adult supervision. Even if it is illegal for individuals under 21 years old to buy non alcoholic brews in most states, consumption is not illegal and can be done as long as there is an adult present.

If you’re under the age of 21 years, you can drink non alcoholic beverages even if you cannot buy them. How is this possible? Basically, anyone who is yet to turn 21 can drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer with their parents’ or guardians’ supervision. If you want to drink non alcoholic beverages, you should ensure that you have permission and supervision from an adult. 

Also, the adult has to be the one that buys the non alcoholic brew for you. For instance, if your mother buys a non alcoholic brew for you and permits you to consume it, you can drink it when you want without worrying about legal issues. 

If you are minor, which is those under 18 years old, you can drink non-alcoholic beer with your parents’ or guardians’ permission. Also, the adult has to be with you when you’re drinking, and they have to be the ones that buy the beverage. 

Also, those under 21 cannot drink non alcoholic beverages at a club, bar, or pub, even if their parents are with them. Instead, minors can only drink at a private residence or property. Keep in mind that this depends on the specific laws of the state.

– States That Prohibit Alcohol Consumption for Those Under 21

States that prohibit alcohol consumption for those under 21 are Alabama, Idaho, West Virginia, Arkansas, and New Hampshire. In addition, the age for buying NA beer in Georgia is 21 years old or older. The state doesn’t separate alcoholic and non alcoholic beers. As long as it is beer, it is only for adults.

Most states in America allow those under 21 to consume NA beer under the supervision of their parent and guardians, but these states don’t allow individuals under 21 to consume NA beer, regardless of the circumstances.

It’s important to check the laws of the state that you’re living in before you start drinking alcohol. There are some exceptions for drinking alcohol under 21, with or without parental supervision. They include:

• Minors can drink alcoholic beverages in a religious setting like Communion.
• If they are in a culinary course, they can drink alcohol with the permission of their teacher.
• Some medications contain a bit of alcohol, and if the minor needs to consume it, they can consume it.
• Minors that are working in the food and beverage sector can buy alcoholic beverages, but they can’t drink them. 
• If a minor is working with the authorities for an undercover operation and they need to consume alcohol for it, they have permission from the authorities. 

What Is the Legal Drinking Age for Non Alcoholic Beers?

The legal drinking age for non alcoholic beers is 21 years old and above. If you’re under 21, you need the permission and supervision of an adult. Even if they are nonalcoholic beverages, many states ensure that the buyers are of a legal age because these beers still contain alcohol.

The legal age is 21 years old in most states, so it is more appropriate to call these beers low alcohol beer. Thus, it is against the law to sell NA beer to those under 21. 

Is Non Alcoholic Beer Completely Alcohol-Free? 

Non-alcoholic beer isn’t completely alcohol-free. The main reason why those under 21 cannot buy non-alcoholic drinks legally is that NA beers are not completely alcohol-free. These beers are marketed as “non-alcoholic,” but they are actually “low-alcohol” beverages because they contain up to 0.5 percent ABV.

These beers have a very small level of alcohol content, so they won’t cause intoxication, but they still have a bit of alcohol in them. There are very few alcohol-free beers, like the Budweiser Zero and Hairless Dog. These beers have 0.0 percent of alcohol, but their manufacturers don’t allow those under 21 to buy them. 

Can You Consume Non Alcoholic Beer While Driving?

You cannot consume non alcoholic beer while driving. In many states, the authorities look at non-alcoholic beer the same way they look at alcoholic beverages. Even if drinking two or three bottles of non alcoholic brews won’t make you drunk, you can get in trouble if you’re caught. 

Also, NA beers are considered in open container laws. This law states that you will get in trouble if you are found with an open container of alcohol in your car. Even if it’s non alcoholic, the cops will most likely pull you over and give you a fine. 

If you are under 21, you can’t drink non alcoholic beverages while driving. While the standard blood alcohol level that puts an adult in trouble is 0.05 percent, for under-21 individuals, it is 0.02 percent. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Will Non Alcoholic Beer Make You Tipsy? 

Non alcoholic beer won’t make you tipsy because it has a very little, almost nonexistent, level of alcohol. The amount of alcohol in non-alcoholic beer is less than 0.05 percent, and this is very small compared to a standard beer can, which has an average ABV of 4 percent.

You can drink as much of this beverage as you want without even feeling a buzz.

2. Should You Give Your Child Alcohol? 

You shouldn’t give your child alcohol, even if they are older than 15 years old. This is because it can damage the child’s health. Consuming alcohol at a young age can seriously affect the child’s brain, bones, liver, and hormones.

Because of this, it is better to wait until they reach the legal age for drinking before offering them alcohol, even if its NA beer. 

Conclusion 

With our guide, you now know the answer to the question, “can you buy non alcoholic beer under 21” and can stay within the legal limits.

Here’s a rundown of what we covered in this review:

• You cannot buy NA beer if you are under 21 except in a few states.
• Those under 21 and under 18 can only drink alcohol if they have the permission and supervision of a guardian.
• Some states don’t allow under-21 individuals to drink NA beer, regardless of the circumstances.
• Non alcoholic brews are not completely alcohol free.
• You shouldn’t drink NA beer while you’re driving.

If you’re under 21, you should ask a parent or guardian for permission and supervision to drink, even if it is non alcoholic beer. They also have to be the ones to buy the beer for you.