One of the biggest problems in any country is minors getting alcohol. It is, of course, illegal for children to drink alcohol and for stores to sell alcohol to them. But the lines are blurred with the emergence of non-alcoholic beers becoming so popular.
Non-alcoholic beer does possess a little bit of alcohol in it, so the laws around it are tricky. Under federal law, it is not illegal for a minor to buy non-alcoholic beer. Where the confusion comes in is with the state laws. Many states have yet to catch on to the rising popularity of non-alcohol beer, or they have tried to clarify where they stand on bringing beer bought by minors.
Some states allow for both the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer by minors, while others may let kids purchase but not consume it or vice versa. Then even if your state allows for the purchase of non-alcoholic beer by children, each store may have its own rules on who can purchase them, so it often depends on where you are and where you are buying the beer.
What Is A Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer tastes like any ordinary beer. The only difference is the alcoholic content. As the name suggests, non-alcoholic beers do not have any alcohol. However, the manufacturing process of such a beer is similar to any alcoholic beer. In addition, they also taste similar. You will notice that non-alcoholic beers are advertised as a beverage without any alcohol content. These beers are safe for kids compared to ordinary alcoholic ones.
How Famous Is A Beer Without Alcohol?
Currently, 2% of all beer sales are non-alcoholic. But according to recent reports, that number increased to 8% in some national chains. Different brands are noting this fact and hoping to experience a steep rise in this market. In addition, some companies invest money into manufacturing non-alcoholic beer. According to recent data, the division of the beer industry that makes up non-alcoholic beer may make 40 billion dollars by 2032.
Are Non-Alcoholic Beers Absolutely Alcohol-Free?
Common sense would tell you that the term “non-alcoholic” means absolutely alcohol-free. However, if you ever see an advertisement for a non-alcoholic beer, you will notice that they mean “low alcohol.” Such ads may sometimes be misleading. Most non-alcoholic beers have an alcohol content of less than 0.5% ABV. Compared to other ordinary beers, it is very low.
Thus, non-alcoholic beers are not always alcohol-free. These beers have alcohol but at a very low level. However, there are some famous beer brands, such as Budweiser, that have non-alcoholic beers with 0% ABV. Thus, always read the label before you buy a non-alcoholic beer.
Why Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Growing In Popularity?
Beer has been a famous beverage in society for many generations. But the popularity of beers has been going down, similar to that of cigarettes. Today, people are more aware of themselves and health-conscious. They realize the dangers of not just drinking beer but also the after-effects of it. This includes hangovers or the long-term effects of drinking beer.
So you will notice people looking for an alternative to alcoholic beers. An alternative beverage that provides them with the same taste but without the side effect. Non-alcoholic beer usually has below 0.5% ABV. This is why it is called a non-alcoholic drink. Such a non-alcoholic beverage also comes with benefits but does not have the risk associated with regular beer.
Some of the other reasons why people are interested in drinking non-alcoholic beer include the following:
- Fewer calories.
- Less alcohol intake.
- Promoting deep sleep.
- The ability to still socialize with friends.
Non-alcoholic beer should still be handled with care, especially with minors who may be prone to test the limits and reach the point of being “drunk.” Just because something is popular and may possess many benefits does not automatically mean minors or adults should not heed warnings to drink responsibly. In any case, non-alcoholic beer will stay within the public sphere for a while and may even one day overtake the dominance of reflected beer in the market.
How Old Should You Be To Buy Non-Alcoholic Beer?
If you look at any alcoholic beverage store, you will find only adults buying such drinks. This is because minors are not allowed to buy alcoholic beverages. There was a special act passed in the US in 1984. It was the National Minimum Drinking Age Act (NMDA). According to this act, only buyers above the age of 21 can shop for alcoholic beverages, including beers.
However, when it comes to buying non-alcoholic beers, there are some states that do not allow minors to buy such drinks. On the other hand, some states do not have such age restrictions for buying non-alcoholic beers. Some of these states are:
- Texas
- Alaska
- Wisconsin
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- Hawaii
Can A Minor Drink Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Purchasing a non-alcoholic beverage by a minor is illegal in many states. However, drinking such a beer by a minor is not illegal. This means although minors cannot buy non-alcoholic beer, they can certainly drink it with their friends. Many of you may wonder how this is possible. According to the law, minors, who are about to turn 21, can have alcoholic drinks under the supervision of their parents. Thus, if you are planning to drink non-alcoholic beers, you need to do so in the presence of your parents.
Conclusion
Drinking alcohol can be bad for your health, especially if you are a minor. This is because kids at their growing age do not have their internal organs fully developed. Thus, if they have alcohol, it can easily damage their internal organs. This is why it is always suggested not to allow minors to have such beverages that can damage their health.
If you are a minor and want to enjoy a non-alcoholic beer with your friends, you may go ahead and do so. However, make sure that your parents buy the beverage for you. It is also mandatory for you to have the beverage in the presence of your parents.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
