Was the drinking age in NY ever 18?
Asked by: Rubye Williamson | Last update: June 11, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (69 votes)
New York joins 31 other states in the nation that already have a minimum drinking age of 21. Another five states have approved legislation to raise their drinking ages to 21 sometime next year. New York's drinking age was raised from 18 to 19 in 1982.
When was drinking age 18 in NY?
1971: After the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, most states — including New York — lowered their drinking age to 18 as well. 1982: Due to a high number of state driving fatalities, New York raised its drinking age from 18 to 19.
When did alcohol become legal in New York?
On December 5, 1933, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Presidential Proclamation 2,065, officially repealing the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that established Prohibition in the United States.
What states allow 18 year olds to drink?
With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and Washington, D.C., allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances, such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.
Could you ever drink at 18 in the US?
National Drinking Age Law
Since 1984, the national minimum legal drinking age has been 21. Before 1984, each state had its own legal drinking age. States that don't follow the national minimum drinking age law can lose money. The federal government may withhold up to 10% of funds to that state to maintain highways.
Lower The Drinking Age To 18?
Can minors drink with parents 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.
What was the drinking age in New York in 1972?
In New York City and State the official drinking age was 18 up until some point in the late 1970s or perhaps even the 1980s. However, in practice it was not heavily enforced that I ever observed.
Can you be a bartender at 18 in NY?
New York State Law Requires Bartenders to be Only 18
All you have to do is get the required training with the help of Local Bartending School (LBS) and give the exam to get the certificate. Some famous cities of New York City are Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester and there are 56 more.
Which part of the body absorbs the most alcohol?
You absorb 20 per cent of alcohol into your bloodstream through your stomach and the rest into your bloodstream through your small intestine. Drinking a small amount of alcohol stimulates your appetite because it increases the flow of stomach juices.
What is the lowest drinking age in the world?
At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.
Can British 18 year olds drink in America?
Travelers to the U.S. should remember that the legal drinking age throughout the country is 21.
Why is the drinking age 21 in the US but 18 everywhere else?
Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in high schools, while others like the United States have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 (18 in P.R. and USVI) in an effort to reduce the amount of drunk driving rates among teenagers and young adults.
Did alcohol used to be 18?
History of the MLDA
Following the repeal of Prohibition, nearly all State laws restricting youth access to alcohol designated 21 as the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol (Mosher 1980). Between 1970 and 1975, however, 29 States lowered the MLDA to age 18, 19, or 20.
When did Blue Laws end in New York?
The ban on Sunday sales in New York State had been in existence since 1656, when implemented by Dutch colony of the New Netherland, but was voided after 320 years as unconstitutional, in a unanimous decision by the state's highest court on June 17, 1976, because of a finding that “parts of the statue that are rarely ...
What is the drinking age in Japan?
Enjoying local drinks is a highlight for many travelers, especially when shared with a group or a new local friend in a cozy bar. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. As long as you're over 20, you're free to drink in Japan—just remember to carry your passport for ID.
What is the youngest age to be a bartender?
In most states, you need to be 18 years old to serve alcohol legally. However, some states will let you serve as young as 18 or as old as 21. That's why it's important that both applicants and businesses look up the laws governing that particular bar or restaurant's situation.
When was drinking age lowered to 18?
On July 1, 1971, a change took place in America with the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the legal age to vote was lowered from twenty-one to eighteen. At this time, many states also lowered the drinking age to eighteen as well. Eighteen was considered the legal age of adulthood.
What state has the youngest drinking age?
Every state, except Maine and—more recently—West Virginia, requires individuals serving alcohol in bars and restaurants to be at least 18 years old, and three states (Alaska, Nevada, and Utah) have a minimum age of 21.
What is the legal drinking age in Russia?
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.
Can 16 year olds go in bars 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.
Is BYOB legal in New York?
New York: BYOB is allowed for restaurants without a liquor license, but they cannot charge a corkage fee unless licensed. Restaurants with a liquor license may not offer BYOB.
What is the legal drinking age in France?
The legal drinking age in France is currently 18-years-old, at which age residents and tourists alike can purchase alcohol or drink it in bars or restaurants. (Though from 16-years-old, French teens may order alcoholic beverages at restaurants in the presence of their adult guardians.)