Alcohol use and abuse are on the rise in America, especially in the years during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years immediately following the peak of panic. Alcohol consumption increased more during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the last 50 years. Additionally, alcohol-related illnesses and deaths also rose during the pandemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “19.1% of Massachusetts adults reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, which is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men. Boston University reports that 26% of Massachusetts adults binge drink.”
While these statistics may be frightening enough on their own, the underage drinking issue is even more stark. According to a Boston Herald report nearly 29% of Massachusetts underage adults aged 12-20 have consumed alcohol.
With numbers this high, it is wise to understand the potential consequences of such behavior. Let’s review Massachusetts underage drinking laws and how they could impact you.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in MA?
Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to sell or deliver alcohol to someone under 21.
There are some minor exceptions to this law. If a parent or legal guardian offers or provides alcohol to their under-21-year-old child, then this is permitted. Young adults aged 18-20 can also legally transport alcohol as part of their job as long as they don’t drink any of it.
Consequences of Underaged Drinking
While there are numerous societal, emotional and medical consequences to drinking, especially while the young brain is developing, our blog will stick to the legal ramifications of this behavior.
- Anyone aged under 21 could face a fine of up to $300 and a license suspension of up to 180 days for purchasing alcohol or asking someone of legal age to purchase alcohol on their behalf. The first offense is often lower ($50).
- In terms of possession or creation of fake IDs, there are further consequences. Any person who makes or uses a false identification card or driver’s license can be punished by a fine of no more than $200 or imprisonment not to exceed 3 months.
- It is illegal to sell or serve minors alcohol and the consequence for this could include a fine of no more than $2,000, imprisonment for no more than one year, or both.
- In Massachusetts, people under 21 face harsher drunk driving laws than people who are 21 or older. If a driver is under 21, they can receive a DUI if a blood alcohol content is at least 0.02. Penalties may include driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time.
Legal sanctions are commonplace when drinking laws are violated. But there are also other consequences to consider if you should be the host of a party where underage drinking is occurring or the owner of an establishment where underage drinking has occurred. For instance, establishments with liquor licenses may face sanctions from the licensing authority, including requiring the establishment to increase its liquor liability insurance.
Have questions about the Massachusetts Laws regarding underage drinking, fake IDs, hosting a party, or transporting alcohol, talk to our team at Patrick Conway Law.