Do You Really Have To Be 21 To Drink?
What many people don’t realize is that people under the age of 21 can oftentimes drink in the United States—it’s just that they can’t buy alcohol or get it from someone else. Laws are oftentimes written such that the acutal consumption of alcohol isn’t illegal.
For a comprehensive map of what the law allows in each state, check out this NIH site. It’s only accurate as of January 1, 2006, though, so check your local laws before you let your kids try a sip of wine. For example, I know that the loophole was recently closed in Connecticut, so it shouldn’t be listed as “consumption not prohibited” as it is on the map.
As for Massachusetts, it appears that under 21 consumption is not prohibited, though check your local laws to be sure.
