how old do you have to be to drink alcohol in america
Alcohol consumption by youth in the United States
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21 . Many believe that anyone under the age of twenty - one can not consume alcohol in the United States . However , this is incorrect because underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent , if the consenting spouse is over 21 . Although the state laws pertaining to drinking by minors ( defined as those under the age of 18 ) are presumptively constitutional , as valid exercises of the police power , to protect public health , welfare , and morals , there exists a question of whether laws forbidding the consumption of alcohol by those 18 to 20 years of age are Constitutional , as such individuals are considered legal adults for all intents and purposes other than that of consuming alcohol and running for certain State and Federal offices , such as the Presidency of the United States , which is restricted for those 35 years of age and older . Under the Constitution of the United States , Amendment 14 , Section 1 , `` No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life , liberty , or property , without due process of law ; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws '' . Many parallel State constitutional provisions similar to those contained in the 14th Amendment exist , and State constitutions often have explicit prohibitions against age discrimination , as well . 
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21 . Many believe that anyone under the age of twenty - one can not consume alcohol in the United States . However , this is incorrect because underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent , if the consenting spouse is over 21 . Although the state laws pertaining to drinking by minors ( defined as those under the age of 18 ) are presumptively constitutional , as valid exercises of the police power , to protect public health , welfare , and morals , there exists a question of whether laws forbidding the consumption of alcohol by those 18 to 20 years of age are Constitutional , as such individuals are considered legal adults for all intents and purposes other than that of consuming alcohol and running for certain State and Federal offices , such as the Presidency of the United States , which is restricted for those 35 years of age and older . Under the Constitution of the United States , Amendment 14 , Section 1 , `` No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life , liberty , or property , without due process of law ; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws '' . Many parallel State constitutional provisions similar to those contained in the 14th Amendment exist , and State constitutions often have explicit prohibitions against age discrimination , as well .
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21. However, this is incorrect because underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent, if the consenting spouse is over 21.
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21 . However , this is incorrect because underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent , if the consenting spouse is over 21 .
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21. However, underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent, if the consenting spouse is over 21.
Most states in the U.S. regulate the use of alcohol by those under the age of 21 . However , this is incorrect because underage drinking is allowed in 31 states with parental consent and 17 states with spousal consent , if the consenting spouse is over 21 .