What is the lowest drinking age in the US?
Asked by: Isidro Mayert | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (8 votes)
Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws set the legal age when people can buy alcohol. The MLDA in the United States is 21 years. This means that alcohol cannot be sold to people younger than 21. Before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the MLDA could differ by state.
Can you drink at 18 in the US?
Since 1984, the national minimum legal drinking age has been 21.
Where is 13 the legal drinking age?
Around the world, the age when it's legal to purchase or be served most alcohol products varies from 13 in Burkina Faso to 25 in Eritrea. Here's a brief look at how not only the legal drinking age but the culture and parenting around alcohol consumption varies across countries.
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.
Can you drink at 18 in Hawaii?
What are the alcohol laws in Hawaii? The most important alcohol law in the state of Hawaii is that you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol in the state. Servers are allowed to serve customers providing they are 18 years of age and that a supervisor who is 21 or older is present.
Should We Lower The Drinking Age?
What age can you drink in Mexico?
The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
What 29 states allow underage drinking?
Possession of alcohol allowed by minors for a “family exception” in 29 states (which may or may not have specific location restrictions as well): Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New ...
What is the drinking age in Italy?
Unfortunately, the laws in the country are a little different than at nonna's house: you need to be 18 to drink in Italy. Still, a glass of wine with a fine Italian meal is something that even a grad fresh from high school can appreciate like any seasoned-swirling adult.
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 age can you drink 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.
How old do you have to be to drink at Disney world?
Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at Walt Disney World Resort by Guests 21 years of age or older. Any Guest who wishes to purchase an alcoholic beverage at Walt Disney World Resort must present one of the following valid forms of identification: U.S. state driver's license (includes U.S. territories*)
Where is drinking at 15 legal?
The youngest legal drinking age in the world is 15, with both Mali and the Central African Republic allowing folks to drink at that time. Seven countries do not have a government-mandated drinking age, while 11 countries ban the consumption of booze entirely.
Can 18 year olds drink on a cruise?
Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol while in US sailings. Parental consent is required for guests 18 to 20 to consume only beer and wine while vessels is in international waters.
What is the lowest drinking age in the world?
For Djibouti, Lebanon, the Marshall Islands, North Korea or South Sudan, the other five countries listed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as independent states, no information on the age of alcohol consumption was available. At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.
Can 18 year olds drink with parents in Vegas?
The legal drinking age in Nevada is 21. This means that minors under the age of 21 are not allowed to consume alcohol, or even to possess alcohol unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unlike other states, Nevada does not prohibit public intoxication or purchasing alcohol on Sundays.
What is the drinking age in Mexico?
To drink and purchase alcohol legally in Mexico, you must be able to prove you are at least 18 years old. This is the legal drinking age throughout Mexico. It applies to all alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine.
What's the drinking age in Canada?
Currently, the MLDA is 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 years in the rest of the Canadian provinces and territories.
What's the drinking age in Germany?
We focused on this group as 18 is the national legal age of sale in Germany for all alcohol (16 is the legal age for wine and beer only) and drinking trends among adolescents differ from adults (Pennay et al., 2018).
Why is the US drinking age so high?
The MLDA of 21 years helps lower the risk of developing alcohol and other substance use disorders, for those who drink alcohol. It also supports families and communities by leading to fewer harmful births, lower rates of suicide and homicide, and fewer deaths from alcohol poisoning.
Can minors drink with parents in Florida?
Can Minors Drink with Parents in Florida? No. In Florida, it is illegal for anyone to allow an underage individual access to an alcoholic beverage – even a parent permitting their own child.
Can minors drink with parents in Maine?
Per Maine law, only people over 21 are allowed to purchase alcohol; however, minors can drink at home in the presence of their parents.
What is the drinking age in China?
The legal drinking age in China is 18 years old.