Can you go into a bar in New York under 21?

Asked by: Louvenia O'Kon  |  Last update: April 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (14 votes)

You do not need to be 21+ to set foot in a bar in New York City. State and City laws do not prohibit minors from entering a bar; kids under 16, however, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. But there are bars that — as a matter of their own policy — prohibit anyone under 21.

Can under 21 go to a bar in New York?

Restaurants and bars

As alcohol is served in bars, people under 21 are often not allowed to enter regardless of the time of day. Rooftop bars in New York are for people aged 21 and over. During the day on weekdays, it is possible to get into a rooftop bar as a 20-year-old or younger.

Can you get into a club at 18 in NYC?

NYC is pretty solidly 21+, and most venues are strict about carding (and very good at spotting fakes fwiw, their liquor licenses depend on it, so many use digital scanners).

Do bars in NYC ID?

Valid ID: Why It Matters

It doesn't matter if it's a restaurant, a bar, or a club. If one plans on drinking in NYC one should always carry valid government identification (no copies, and student ID doesn't count either). ID laws are very strict here.

Can you go into a bar at 18 in the USA?

While the lawful drinking age is predictable at 21, a few states permit passage to bars and clubs for people as youthful as 18 or 19, as long as they don't polish off liquor. The points of interest can shift fundamentally by state and, surprisingly, by the arrangements of individual settings.

NYC Travel Mistakes: What NOT to Do in New York City

41 related questions found

Can a bar back be under 21?

While the legal drinking age is 21 in the United States, barbacks and even bartenders can be under 21 depending on your state's on-premise alcohol serving laws — make sure to Google those. For example, In Colorado, the age to serve alcohol is 18, while in Washington it's 21.

What is the lowest drinking age in the world?

At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.

What bars don't ID in NYC?

10 Best Top-Rated No Id Bar in New York, New York
  • Rooftop 93. 4.1 (396 reviews) ...
  • Please Don't Tell. 3.8 (2k reviews) ...
  • Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge NYC. 4.3 (264 reviews) ...
  • Valerie. 4.3 (1.1k reviews) ...
  • Inwood Bar and Grill. 3.4 (603 reviews) ...
  • La Grande Boucherie. 4.4 (3.8k reviews) ...
  • Castell Rooftop Lounge. 4.0 (290 reviews) ...
  • The Library.

Do all bars check ID at the door?

Bars usually don't ask for ID at the door unless there is some kind of event or cover charge. Clubs usually do and some clubs have an even higher minimum age (like 25+) depending on what kind of crowd they are trying to attract.

Do I have to show my ID in NYC?

3. In New York, you are not required to carry ID, and you don't have to show ID to a police officer. If you are issued a summons or arrested, however, and you refuse to produce ID or tell officers who you are, the police may detain you until you can be positively identified.

What to do under 21 in NYC?

Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.
  • Big Bus New York. ...
  • Central Park Bike Tours. ...
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. ...
  • American Museum of Natural History. ...
  • New York Transit Museum. ...
  • The Empire State Building. ...
  • Madame Tussauds New York. ...
  • Solomon R.

Can minors sit at a bar in NJ?

It is legal in New Jersey to drink alcohol in the presence of minors. Can a minor sit at a bar in NJ? It is technically legal in New Jersey for a minor to enter a bar or any other place that sells alcohol.

Can you drink under 21 with a parent in New York?

Persons under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol or possessing alcohol with the intent to consume, unless the alcohol was given to that person by their parent or legal guardian. There is no law prohibiting persons under the age of 21 consuming alcohol that was given to them by their parent or legal guardian.

Can anyone take the bar in New York?

In New York, a person must complete a year of law school and three years of study in a law office under New York Bar Admission Rules Section 520.4. Once all that is completed, an applicant can take the bar exam.

What is the minimum age to check in in New York?

We know age is just a number, but you do need to be over 21 to make a reservation and check in at Virgin Hotels New York.

What counts as ID for bar?

All identification documents must be originals, not photocopies or scans. Documents should be legible and not be torn or taped together. Expired documents are not considered valid and are not accepted. If you have a valid U.S. driver license, DMV-issued ID card, or Passport, it will suffice for identification purposes.

Do bouncers actually check ID?

Whether the ID is real or not, bouncers will often ask questions to confirm. Knowing all the basic information on your ID is always best—name, address, date of birth. But sometimes the questions aren't so straightforward.

Can 18 year olds go into bars in NYC?

It is unlawful to serve or sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Minors under the age of 16 are not permitted in establishments that serve alcohol unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. CAN PARENTS SERVE? No, it is illegal for any parent or guardian to serve a minor on a licensed premise.

Are New York bars strict?

NYC restaurants are imposing strict bar rules — and customers are pissed. It's a total vibe killer. Walking into a NYC restaurant and snagging a seat at the bar has long been a classic move, but, across the city, establishments are instituting new policies around bar seating, from reservations to formal wait lists.

Can 18 year olds go to the club?

The legal age for attending nightclubs in the United States varies depending on the state and local regulations. In most states, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Nightclubs that serve alcohol typically enforce a strict age policy, and you generally need to be 21 or older to enter these establishments.

What country drinks the most alcohol?

Romania tops the list of countries with the highest alcohol consumption per person, with Georgia, Czechia, Latvia, and Germany rounding out the top five. This is according to the global estimates made available by the World Health Organization (WHO), the latest data referring to 2019.

What is Russia's drinking age?

The legal drinking age in Russia is 18 years of age. The sale of strong alcohol is prohibited after 10pm. Drinking is prohibited on public transport, streets and parks. Restaurants and cafes have specially designated smoking and no-smoking areas.

What is the drinking age in Jamaica?

The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18 years old. This means that individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.