Can You Buy Non-Alcoholic Beer Under 21

Time to read: 5 minutes

Naturally, you’d assume you can buy non-alcoholic beer under 21 because it would be equivalent to purchasing soda or water. After all, the drink no longer contains the substance that makes people drunk. However, it’s not always the case.

In terms of flavor and production, non-alcoholic beer is similar to traditional beer. Usually, non-alcoholic beers are made using the same conventional method as alcoholic beer. But the main distinction between the two kinds of beer is that non-alcoholic beer is promoted as a drink without alcohol. Overall, non-alcoholic beer is a safer choice than traditional beer because it provides the same flavor without the negative consequences of alcohol.

Advertising for N/A beer may be deceptive because “non-alcoholic” is frequently just another phrase for “low alcohol.” Most non-alcoholic beers have an extremely low alcohol concentration of up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Therefore, the main factor for this concept is that N/A beer doesn’t contain any alcohol at all. These drinks’ alcohol content won’t make you feel drunk if you drink them in moderation.

This article will examine whether someone under the legal drinking age can purchase non-alcoholic beer.

The National Minimum Drinking Age (NMDA) Act

With the passage of the National Minimum Drinking Age (NMDA) Act in 1984, consumers had to be at least 21 years old to buy alcoholic beverages (regardless of ABV). Can a minor purchase N/A beer, then? Technically speaking, you can’t because it’s against the law.

However, several states now have regulations regarding purchasing non-alcoholic beverages after the NMDA Act was passed. Buyers under the age of 21 are permitted to purchase and consume N/A beer in the following states:

• Alaska
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• Texas
• Wisconsin

While it is unlawful for people under 21 to purchase N/A beer in most US states, consumption is not. Although you cannot buy N/A beer until you are 21, you are still permitted to consume it. You might be thinking how on earth that is even possible? According to the law, those who have not reached the age of 21 may consume alcoholic beverages while being supervised by their parents.

Therefore, your parents must accompany you if you want to consume N/A beer at a party or gathering. Additionally, your parents must purchase the beverages. If, for instance, your father agrees to buy you a N/A beer and approves of your consumption, you are free to drink it without fear of legal ramifications.

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Safe For Those Under 21?

In societies where wine is the preferred alcoholic beverage, tradition OK’s that young members of the family occasionally partake. It is believed that teaching kids to drink in moderation from an early age will result in later, healthy consumption.

According to experts, serving non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer to children means that they are considerably more likely to drink alcoholic beverages elsewhere.

Keep in mind that in the United States, the age of being a minor and the legal drinking age are two different things. When you reach 18, you are no longer regarded as a minor. You can then sign contracts, enlist in the military, and carry out most adult-related activities, except buying N/A beverages.

To put it simply, there will always be exceptions to the rule. Although N/A beer is generally permitted for minors to consume under federal and state law because it is not considered alcohol, this is not always the case. Check the laws in your jurisdiction because N/A beer may be treated as alcohol in some states. However, if you are a non-drinker, there is a significant chance you can consume non-alcoholic beer.

Remember that you can always avoid alcohol completely. 

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Buying Non-Alcoholic Beer Under 21 FAQs