Underage Consumption Laws in Missouri
Posted by Tamara
Everyone seems to have questions on the underage consumption laws in Missouri. Each state has its own unique liquor laws and Missouri is certainly no exception.
In Missouri, purchase or possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 is against the law, with some significant exceptions. Individuals under 21 may be furnished alcohol by their parents. There is an exception to the law for certain specific medical, religious or educational purposes, such as communion wine.
The law does not specifically prohibit the consumption of alcohol by minors. Unlike many other states, Missouri law does not permit minors to purchase liquor for law enforcement purposes.
The minimum age to work as a server in a restaurant that sells alcoholic beverages in Missouri is 18. The minimum age to work as a bartender in a restaurant or bar is 21. Under Missouri law, an individual over 18 may handle, transport or sell beer, wine or spirits in a store where more than 50% of revenue is generated by non-liquor sales. This person must, however, be under the supervision of someone over 21 at all times.
Using a false I.D. to purchase liquor is a criminal offense in Missouri. It is also a criminal offense to loan, sell, transfer, manufacture or distribute a fake I.D.
Missouri does allow the affirmative defense for retailers who sell to minors. This means that the seller is not subject to criminal penalties if, after inspecting the I.D., they believed that the minor was over 21 when they sold the liquor. This defense is not effective in cases where the retailer fails to check the I.D.
Drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .02 are considered to be driving under the influence. The BAC over .02 is considered conclusive proof of violation. Minors convicted of alcohol-related charges are subject to mandatory driver’s license suspensions of 30 days. This is relatively mild, considering that many other states mandate suspensions of 180 to 365, or even 730 days.
Missouri’s Social Host law means that any adult, who knowingly provides alcohol at a party where minors are in possession or consuming alcohol, is subject to criminal penalties.
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