It’s a fairly straightforward and widely known fact that folks under 21 can’t legally buy alcohol. However, we all know young people will try to get around that sometimes. When you own or operate an establishment that sells alcohol, the consequences of breaking this law can get complicated — and costly!
Fill out the form and read some of the penalties a business owner, operator, and employee can face if you sell to a minor. The term “sale” includes both serving alcohol on-premise (such as a restaurant or bar) and also selling it to be consumed off-premise (like a liquor store or convenience store).
Penalties from licensing agencies vary widely from state to state and jurisdictions within states (counties, parishes, cities, towns). Check with your licensing board for the formal rules and regulations. Infractions of underage drinking laws in an establishment can hold the owners, managers, and employees all liable in civil and criminal courts. Consequences range from inconvenient to potentially catastrophic for your business.