Is it legal for minors to drink at home in Illinois or Missouri? What state laws say
The legal minimum age to drink alcohol is 21 years old in all 50 states, but some exceptions apply in Illinois and Missouri.
Although “underage alcohol consumption is common in the United States,” according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can result in misdemeanor charges, community service requirements, fines or jail time, depending on the state and circumstance.
Here’s what to know about the legalities of underage drinking in Illinois and Missouri.
Can minors drink at home in Illinois?
In Illinois, those under 21 years old can only consume alcohol if they are at a home and with at least one of their parents or guardians, according to the Alcohol Policy Information System. The APIS is a U.S. government website.
The parent or guardian must approve of and directly supervise the alcohol consumption. Those acting as a parent may also be able to approve and supervise under the law.
Alcohol consumption as part of a religious service or ceremony is permitted for minors under Illinois law.
The relevant section of the Illinois code says, “The possession and dispensing, or consumption by a person under 21 years of age of alcoholic liquor in the performance of a religious service or ceremony, or the consumption by a person under 21 years of age under the direct supervision and approval of the parents or parent or those persons standing in loco parentis of such person under 21 years of age in the privacy of a home, is not prohibited by this Act.”
Unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor may result in a misdemeanor in Illinois.
The state does maintain a zero tolerance law in regard to underage drinking and driving, under which a conviction includes the revocation of the minor’s license.
Can minors drink with their parents in Missouri?
Parents and guardians who allow their underage children to drink in Missouri are not necessarily guilty of a misdemeanor, according to state law.
“Missouri law allows minors to consume alcohol if purchased by a parent or legal guardian and consumed on their private property,” a 2021 article from St. Louis-area law firm Fernandez Law says.
Charges related to child neglect or abuse may apply in certain circumstances.
This story was originally published July 20, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
