Are Minors Allowed to Have Alcohol Under the Supervision of Their Parents? The Answer May Surprise You

Are Minors Allowed to Have Alcohol Under the Supervision of Their Parents? The Answer May Surprise You

Some parents out there who are dealing with minors and drinking tend to take a different approach to the matter. Many parents would flat out ban their children from drinking until they are of legal age to do so. However, some parents prefer to allow their underage children to drink, but only under their supervision. The idea is that this way, the child can learn about alcohol and its effects under the watchful eye of the parent.

In many states around the country, this is a common practice. The problem with this method, is that it is actually illegal within the state of California. Here in California, minors are not even allowed to possess alcohol, and they definitely are not allowed to consume it.

An adult allowing any minor to consume alcohol in their home is against the law under Busine...

Odd Alcohol Laws in California

Compared to other states, California is pretty generous when it comes to alcohol. You can buy it at practically any grocery, liquor, and convenience store. You can even buy it at retailers like Target and Walmart. You can buy it at nearly any hour of the day, even on Sundays. Soon, last call could be extended from 2 am to 4 am. In other states, alcohol is not sold at all these types of stores, and sales may be prohibited on Sundays. This does not mean Californians turn the other cheek when it comes to alcohol consumption. This state still has plenty of laws that are meant to encourage safe and responsible drinking and curb DUIs. In fact, California even has some very particular alcohol laws.

• For stores that sell both fuel and alcohol, the alcohol must be displayed at least 5 feet from ...

California’s Open Container Laws

In California, driving under the influence is not the only illegal alcohol and vehicle act, but it is the most known. It carries the most serious penalties. It is also very much worth knowing other alcohol and driving related laws, especially the “open container” laws for California.

For drivers who are 21 years or older, it is legal to drive a vehicle with an unopened container of alcohol in the car, even if it is in the front seat. An unopened container must be absolutely sealed, never opened. So, a sealed bottle of wine never uncorked, a sealed bottle of liquor with the cap never twisted off, and an unopened can of beer, are legal to have in the front seat of the car. Any alcoholic beverages that have been opened must be placed in the trunk of the car.

If a driver is caught with a...

When Should the Party End?

Have you heard of the proposed bill by Senator Scott Weiner from San Francisco that would allow bars to stay open later? State Bill 384, which is referred to as “Let Our Communities Adjust Late Night” or LOCAL Act for short, will allow communities to adjust how late restaurants and bars can serve alcohol.

Under this new law, city governments would be able to adjust the time from 2am, to anywhere up to 4am. This gives the city more control over the serving of alcohol, which can greatly affect nightlife in the city. Many cities across the state of California rely on having a busy night life to help support the local economy.

The law will not force cities to change the cut off call for serving alcohol. What it does is let cities extend the last call time from 2am to 4am.

This is not the ...

No Exceptions to Underage Drinking

Even if it happens under your roof and under your supervision, underage drinking is illegal in California.

The minimum drinking age across the United States is 21, but there are some states that allow exceptions to this rule when teens are drinking in the presence of, and with the permission of their parents. Some of those states include Virginia, South Carolina, and New Mexico. California is excluded from this list, meaning that even if a parent gives their 20 year old a sip of their cocktail, they can get in trouble.

In California, supplying a minor with alcohol is most often a misdemeanor offense. Adults who are charged with this misdemeanor will face time in jail, up to 1 year, though it is usually less than 2 months...

Can a Parent Give their Child Alcohol?

Like all states, the minimum age for drinking alcohol in California is 21. However, unlike other states, there are no exceptions to this rule in California. For example, some states allow minors to drink alcohol under the allowance and supervision of their parent or legal guardian, but this is not allowed in California.

In California, minors who violate the legal age drinking laws for the first time face a $250 fine and 24-32 hours of community service. For subsequent violations, the minor is looking at a fine of $500 maximum and 36 to 48 hours of community service. If they have their driver’s license, it can be suspended for 1 year.

Any individual who is caught providing the minor with alcohol faces a $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service...