Alcohol is a very common drug of abuse. For some, it is a comfort drug that makes you feel relaxed and gives you a sense of euphoria. For others, it is a recreational drug that makes you feel happy and lively.
However, like with most things, there are legal limits on how much and how long someone can have access to. Most commonly, these limits are set at the grocery store or store alcohol section.
Many people find that limiting their alcohol intake helps reduce negative effects such as mood swings, irritability, poor judgement, and poor Focus. Even if you do not think your drinking enough or limited your alcohol intake, you could be helping yourself in law enforcement by having less impairment to function and performance.
Legal drinking age in the US
As of January 1, 2015, the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. This is changing soon, so stay tuned for updates!
Many restaurants and pubs have younger-looking clients as part of their marketing. These people can serve alcohol to friends and friends of friends without too many concerns about being charged or getting into trouble.
If you are looking to serve alcohol to someone under the age of 21, there are a few things that you should consider. Firstly, you must use clear and obvious signs that say NO ALCOHOL served to them. Secondly, if they do consume alcohol, you must ensure that they know what it is and how to take care of it. Lastlyly, you must never let them get too drunk or engage in any sort of risky behavior due to that.
Underage drinkers
While many people think alcohol is the answer to all ills, there are some situations where it is not appropriate to offer a drink to an underage person.
An exception to the rule is if the drink is a social one and you two feel like being social without too much alcohol!
It is legal to serve adults alcohol in certain settings, such as bars and alcoholic beverages stores. The laws are set by the government and applied locally, so do not expect to find a bar or store that offers drinks to people who are under 35!
For example, local governments typically do not allow restaurants or stores that sell alcohol to have young children or extremely intoxicated people in order for them to know what alcohol does and does not mean.
Who can you legally serve alcohol to?
Today is January 23, 2015. Which guest can you legally serve alcohol to? As you may know, alcohol is a permissive drug, meaning it can be consumed by everyone but those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or liver disease.
So, if you know someone who drinks but who does not appear to be impaired, try this list of people who can legally drink: friends, coworkers, relatives! Many people start drinking in college and continue to enjoy beer and wine after graduation.
Unless your friend or family member has a specific impairment such as chronic alcoholism, no one in your group should worry about their alcohol use being inappropriate or causing problems. Your friend or family member would be the only person they would ever invite to taste their beer or wine!
Because it is legal to serve alcohol to others in certain situations, professionals such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can use their positions of authority to give someone an alcoholic drink.
Understanding the drinking age in the US
The age of drinking in the United States is 21. Unfortunately, this is the age where many people first start to drink. Even though it is early to start drinking, many do not know how old they must be to consume alcohol.
It is legal for people who are 21 or older to purchase and possession and purchase of up to 40 grams of alcoholic beverage per day, regardless of how old you are. So, what type of people are likely to go out and buy an extra bottle of wine or a six-pack?
Is it really that obvious when someone is already too intoxicated? Maybe not! Most people don’t realize that even though you can possess and consume an unlimited amount of alcohol, you cannot sell or give any amount of alcohol unless you are at least 21 years old!
This law was put in place so that young adults would not buy illegal drugs like marijuana, but only after they were legally able to do so. It also prevents underage drinkers from going out and buying their favorite beer or wine.
The effects of underage drinking
Between the ages of 18 and 21, you are legally allowed to drink. However, during this period, you are at risk for drinking and underage drinking.
Many young people feel that they can get a beer or wine and let their friends know if they are enjoying it. Since it is legal to drink, people feel comfortable going ahead and having a few drinks.
However, studies show that many adults who start drinking before the age of 21 develop alcohol addiction and abuse issues. These issues can include bad illegal drug use, financial problems, depression, etc.
Inviting someone who is under the age of 21 into your home could be considered legal drinking if it does not cause any serious damage or injury. Unfortunately, these situations do happen regularly so we must take preventative measures.
What are the consequences of serving underage drinkers?
It is very dangerous for people to drink alcohol before the age of 21. If you are not careful when serving alcohol, you could end up having to court a kid or two, and possibly even lose your license.
So, what are the consequences of serving underage drinkers? It can range from being forced to pay a fine to actually having your license suspended or revoked.
It is important to note that both fines and losing your license cannot be enacted if the underage person does not have a driver’s license. This means that if there is ever an emergency where driving is needed, the individual can legally get their alcohol intake under control.
Many times individuals who consume too much do not know how to drive and this is what causes them trouble later on. It is important that they learn how to do so before it goes into a vehicle and results in a vehicle accident or damage.
Serving beer vs. serving liquor
Before we dig in, let’s first clarify what alcohol we are talking about. Beer or beer drinks do not contain liquor (although some do!). Rather, the topic is whether or not you can serve alcohol to under-21-year-olds.
Lawfully served alcohols: Beer and mixed drinks are exempt from the legal drinking age in all states and countries. Most countries have set a minimum age of 18 to legally consume alcohol, making it safe to serve to teens.
In most places, adults can buy a beer or glass of wine so there is no need for young drinkers to purchase special beverages. Plus, many people find drinking beer or wine slightly relaxing and de-stresses them after a fun event or party.
Served alcohols that may pose a health risk: There are some things that if you did not know they were alcoholic you would believe they were nonalcoholic beverages.
Know your customers
Every customer has their own type of behavior. Some people love to drink and some people do not! Knowing who your customers can serve alcohol to is important.
For example, people who love to drink socially or who like to watch sports are more likely to consume alcohol in social settings. This is the type of person you want to cater to!
You would not want someone consuming alcohol in your bar late at night because they do not feel well or like they must be treated with alcohol. It would not be worth it!
Your customers should be made aware of their presence at the bar. If someone sees them drinking alone or talking with a friend, they may come talk to them too – this shows that they value the atmosphere of your bar and what they are doing before and after drinking.
Many bars have security guards that work in the evenings. They usually come up to the second floor and out into the parking lot where there is enough space for them to safely handle incoming calls and visitors.
