How old do you have to be to sit at a bar in NY?
Asked by: Cleta Schaefer | Last update: November 29, 2025Score: 5/5 (43 votes)
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.
Can someone under 21 sit at a bar in NY?
There's plenty of restaurants with a bar that anybody can go into, though you may need to be 21 to sit at the bar. But most venues that focus on the bar part, and also have food, generally won't unless it's a kid with their parents.
Do bars let in 18 year olds?
While the legal age to consume alcohol is 21, no law enforces that customers 21+ must be allowed entry into establishments that serve alcohol. In reality, bars can lower their age of entry to 18+, though those under 21 who enter are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.
How old do you have to be to sit at a bar in the US?
A bar is defined “as an establishment that derives 75% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales.” Bars only admit patrons that are 21 and older.
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).
How I found out I was eligible to sit for the New York Bar Exam | BARBRI Extended U.S. Bar Prep
What bars in NYC don't card?
- Please Don't Tell. 3.8 (2k reviews) ...
- Rooftop 93. 4.1 (395 reviews) ...
- Keybar. 4.0 (629 reviews) ...
- Cubbyhole. 3.7 (444 reviews) ...
- The Library. 3.8 (420 reviews) ...
- Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge NYC. 4.3 (273 reviews) ...
- The Village Underground. 4.0 (360 reviews) ...
- Club Cumming.
Do under 18 clubs exist?
Exclusively teen-age nightclubs are springing up slowly across the U.S.. and more and more nightspots that once concentrated on adults are changing their practice to attract the growing teen-age population.
Can you sit at a bar with a baby?
However, stand-alone bars do not allow anyone under 21 in the building at all. Neighborhood bars may allow regulars to bring in a baby or small child if they aren't staying, just picking someone up. It would be against the law (and very unsafe) to leave any child alone in the car or on the sidewalk.
What is the minimum age for clubbing in USA?
Before we plunge into explicit nightlife objections, we should emphasize the critical point: the legitimate savoring age the USA is 21. This age limit applies while buying and polishing off cocktails, including at bars and clubs.
Do you have to be 18 to be a bar back?
For example, states like California and Nevada have stricter age requirements, typically setting the minimum age at 21, while others allow younger individuals to bartend with proper supervision or certification.
Can you go clubbing when you're 18?
For example, in the United States, you generally need to be 21 to enter most nightclubs because that's the legal drinking age. Meanwhile, in many European countries, the age limit might be 18, aligning with their lower legal drinking ages.
Are bars free to enter?
Some bars and clubs do not charge an entrance fee, which is indicated in signs stating "no cover" or "no cover charge". These bars use the live entertainers to draw and retain customers in the establishment, so that the customers will buy drinks.
Are there 18+ clubs in the US?
There are clubs that host 18+ nights, or have sections specifically for those under 21. These places are meticulous about marking underage patrons to prevent them from buying alcohol. They might use wristbands or hand stamps that are checked diligently by the staff, especially bartenders.
Can kids sit at the bar NYC?
Is it legal in New York for children to sit and eat at the bar? A. Yes. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law does not prohibit a child's sitting at a bar as long as the child is accompanied by an adult, said Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the New York State Liquor Authority.
What is the legal age in NY?
New York's Raise the Age (RTA) legislation changed the age that a child can be prosecuted as an adult to 18 years of age in criminal cases in New York State. Prior to RTA, New York was one of two remaining states to hold 16 year-olds criminally responsible.
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.
Can an 18 year old go to a club in New York?
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. On weekends, this becomes more difficult. Be aware that there are strict checks for clubs; someone who is 20 or younger has no chance of getting into a club.
Can 20 year olds go to clubs?
It depends on the club. There's clubs that are for different age groups like13 to 17, and 18+ but under 21 is prohibited from the bar area, some clubs are16+ with the same rules about alcohol. Some clubs have different nights for different age groups.
What are night clubs?
A nightclub is a club that is open at night, usually for drinking, dancing and other entertainment. Nightclubs often have a bar and discothèque (usually simply known as disco) with a dance floor, laser lighting displays, and a stage for live music or a disc jockey (DJ) who mixes recorded music.
What is the baby law bar?
The First-Year Law Students' Examination, or "baby bar," is administered in June and October. The exam is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions and no longer includes any essay questions. Two exam sessions are available each day, allowing applicants to choose between a morning or afternoon session.
Why do people bring kids to bars?
Taking our kids to happy hour is a way for us to get a change of scenery and be social without having the struggle of finding a babysitter. Parents need a break, too, and it isn't always feasible to go out without kids.
What states allow the baby bar?
For example, 4 states—California, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Oregon—do not require candidates to have a law degree to sit for their bar exams.
Do 30 year olds still go to clubs?
Some clubs offer something for everyone, while others specifically cater to an older demographic. Even if your clubbing tastes have changed as you've matured, you're sure to find a nightclub or two you love, and you should feel free to keep going back to them as often as you want to.
How old do you have to be to get a club?
Almost all clubs in the United States have a 21+ age requirement to enter. In Canada, the age to enter is 19+ (18+ in Quebec). A current, valid photo ID is required of every patron in order to enter a nightclub.
Can a 19 year old own a club?
You can't work in it, manage it, buy alcohol, sell alcohol, or be insude the bar until you are 21. But, yes, you can buy it.