Drinking Age

**Tone Arranger** · 26-04-2008, 13:18

One of our family group is a 19-year old student, who likes an occasional beer. I seem to recall that the drinking age is higher in the US. Does anyone know what the age limit is, for having an alcoholic drink either in a bar or with a meal in a restaurant, and is this strictly enforced ?
Thanks
Tony

**ShirleyD** · 26-04-2008, 13:22

It is VERY strictley inforced and you will get into big trouble if you buy beer for him even with a meal.

**ShirleyD** · 26-04-2008, 13:22

Sorry meant to say the age is 21

**Tracey** · 26-04-2008, 13:42

They ALWAYS ask for ID so unfortuantely he will have to miss his occasional beer.
We now how this feels as we have 3 sons who after reaching drinking age here in the UK have had to face 3 years before doing the same on holiday.

**Southsider** · 26-04-2008, 14:33

Yes they are very strict on the 21 age limit, we were having a meal once and my son ordered a beer during the meal, which we thought would be fine, the Manager came over and asked to see his ID, he was 19 and obviously could not show his ID, so said that he did not have it on him, so they said 'Sorry but without ID we cannot let you drink that beer' then he went on to explain to us that if they got an inspection by the authoritiest hey would have to pay a big fine.

Tricia

**Clare R** · 26-04-2008, 17:28

Also be aware that if travelling on a US plane the same age restriction applies I believe.

**Tone Arranger** · 26-04-2008, 17:30

Thanks for your replies, it confirms what I'd assumed.
Presumably the laws relate to public places - bars / restaurants / car / picnic etc, but I guess in the privacy of your own home (villa) you're ok. It's not desparation which prompts me to clarify, it's so that we don't inadvertantly overstep.
Tony

**florida4sun** · 26-04-2008, 17:43

The privacy of your own home is up to to you of course. The best place t enjoy a nice cool beer is right by the pool[msncool]. Incidentally america now has some great beers on offer.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tone Arranger
Thanks for your replies, it confirms what I'd assumed.
Presumably the laws relate to public places - bars / restaurants / car / picnic etc, but I guess in the privacy of your own home (villa) you're ok. It's not desparation which prompts me to clarify, it's so that we don't inadvertantly overstep.
Tony
[/quote]

**blott** · 26-04-2008, 17:46

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tone Arranger
Thanks for your replies, it confirms what I'd assumed.
Presumably the laws relate to public places - bars / restaurants / car / picnic etc, but I guess in the privacy of your own home (villa) you're ok. It's not desparation which prompts me to clarify, it's so that we don't inadvertantly overstep.
Tony[/quote]But getting drunk and getting the Sheriff called still means trouble for whoever's drinking underage and the person who supplied it... [msnwink]