What are penalties for selling alcohol to minors?

Selling alcohol to anyone under 21 years old is a crime in every state, but the penalties for a conviction differ in each state.

In most states, the law requires the business owner or the server to ask for identification before selling alcohol. If the minor presents an identification card that appears to be valid, indicating the person is over 21, then the seller is not held responsible.

Penalties for a Conviction

A business that sells liquor to anyone under 21 could lose its state-issued liquor license. In addition to losing a liquor license, the owner and the person who actually serves or sells the alcohol could face criminal penalties including:

The Licensee. The person who holds the liquor license may be charged with a misdemeanor. The penalty for a first offense might be community service and a small fine, but depending on the circumstances of the offense, it might include a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a fine. 

If the minor who bought the alcohol is under the age of 18, the penalties will be increased with up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000. Civil penalties may also be awarded for the negligence of the person responsible for selling the alcohol, such as a bartender or store clerk.

The Clerk or Server. The person who actually sells or serves alcohol to a minor may face the same penalties as the business that holds the liquor license. A repeat offender could also be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.