Consumption
It is a misdemeanor for any liquor licensee (such as a bar or restaurant) to permit any person under the age of 21 to years to consume any alcoholic beverages unless that person is in his parents'/guardians' home and with their permission.
Purchasing
- It is a gross misdemeanor of any person to sell, barter, furnish, or give alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age; except for the rights of parents/guardians as outlined under consumption.
- It is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of 21 years to purchase or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage.
- It is a gross misdemeanor for any person to induce a person under the age of 21 years to purchase or procure any alcoholic beverage, or to lend or permit the use of a driver's license, permit, Minnesota identification card, or other form of identification, to a person under the age of 21 for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase an alcoholic beverage.
Possession
It is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of 21 years to possess any alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it at any place other than the household of person's parent or guardian. Mere possession at any place other than the home of the person's parents or guardian is prima facie evidence of intent to consume.
Entering Licensed Premises
Persons under the age of 21 years may not enter any licensed premises for the purpose of purchasing, being served or delivered any alcoholic beverages.
Misrepresenting Age
It is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of 21 years to claim to be 21 years old or older for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages.
Proof of Age
Proof of age must be established by a valid driver's license, Minnesota identification card or, in the case of a foreign national, by a valid passport.
Driver License Suspensions for Illegal Purchase of Alcohol
The Commissioner of Public Safety shall impose a 90-day suspension of driving privileges of any person (A) who is under the age of 21 years and is convicted of purchasing or attempting to purchase an alcoholic beverage if the person used a driver's license, permit, or Minnesota Identification Card in making the purchase or attempted to purchase or (B) who lends a driver's license to someone under 21 to use to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The Commissioner of Public Safety also imposes a suspension of driving privileges of any person who is under the age of 21 years and is convicted of consuming any amount of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. The suspension period is for 30 days for a first offense and 180 days for a second or subsequent offense.
Social Host Liability
Anyone over 21 who knowingly serves alcohol to someone under 21 may be held civilly liable for any damages subsequently caused by the person under 21.
