We will be talking about Wisconsin’s drinking age and all the rules that come with alcohol consumption in this American state. Wisconsin is the 30th state to be officially included in the United States and is located in the country’s upper-Midwestern area. Compared to other states, Wisconsin residents drink plenty of alcohol, with beer as their main staple.
The reason why Wisconsin residents drink a lot is because of its history – When it was still a fairly new state, Wisconsin was comprised of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Poland – Three countries with a pretty heavy drinking culture. So, it’s not really a secret that the drinking culture in Wisconsin is alive and well. If you’re willing to learn more about what the drinking rules in Wisconsin are, then read on!
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Wisconsin?
The legal drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. This means that individuals who drink alcohol in Wisconsin and happen to be below 21 are considered minors. Purchasing, consuming, possessing, and procuring alcohol in the state of Wisconsin while below 21 years old is illegal unless there is an exception.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Wisconsin for Tourists and Foreigners?
Just like every other Wisconsin resident, you can only buy alcohol if you are 21 and above. When traveling to the USA, always remember that this is the legal drinking age in all 50 states, and you can get into trouble if you don’t follow the rules. If you sport unruly behavior as a result of too much drinking, you could get banned from bars in the area.
Do You Need an ID to Drink in Wisconsin?
Yes. But in the USA, fake IDs are very rampant and used by teenagers to illegally purchase alcohol. If you run a bar or legally sell alcohol, be sure that you know how to identify a fake ID and a real one. Meanwhile, if you are underage and get caught using a fake ID to buy or drink alcohol, then you could end up facing a punishment.
Legal Drinking Age in Wisconsin with Parents
The legal age of alcohol consumption in Wisconsin is 21. However, if you are below this age, you can actually buy and drink alcohol when accompanied by a legal guardian, a parent, or a spouse – As long as they are over 21 as well. But there are still a few exceptions – The alcohol should be given to the drinker to consume in a private area that never sells liquor, to begin with. This doesn’t include areas such as bars, liquor stores, lounges, pubs, and taverns.
Legal Drinking Age in Wisconsin by Region
The legal drinking age in Wisconsin applies not just to the entire state itself but to the entire country. Once you turn 21, you will now be able to purchase and drink liquor, as well as wine and other alcohol, such as beer.
Can Minors Drink in Wisconsin with Their Parents?
Yes – Minors in Wisconsin can actually consume alcohol, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, if you are the responsible adult that’s keeping watch over these minors, then you still have to exercise the right kind of judgment and check to see if these teenagers have had too much to drink.
Consequences of Breaking the Drinking Age Law in Wisconsin
If you’re below 21 and get arrested for drinking and driving or just consuming alcohol in general, then you will be held to a stricter standard compared to other drivers. Keep in mind that being charged with an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), and getting caught drinking underage has some very serious consequences.
Another way that you can get punished is if you operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug. Presenting any misleading or false identification at any place that sells alcohol – Including bars – Is illegal in Wisconsin. Getting caught with a fake ID is punishable by fees and jail time, and you can end up paying $10,000 and spend up to 3 years in prison.
FAQ About Drinking Age in Wisconsin & Other Restrictions
Does Wisconsin have an underage drinking problem?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers in Wisconsin actually drink around the same amount of alcohol as any teenager who lives in another US state. In fact, after a survey was conducted, it was revealed that Wisconsin residents were less likely to develop binge-drinking habits compared to the average teenager who lives in New York or California.
Wisconsin Drinking Age – A Summary
We hope that this topic was able to educate you about what the alcohol laws in Wisconsin are really like. It teaches us that Wisconsin has a pretty heavy drinking culture due to its rich history. As long as you are accompanied by someone older than you and a very responsible guardian, you can drink whatever alcohol you like. But the bottom line is, be sure to follow the rules regarding the Wisconsin drinking age and do it in a responsible manner.
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.
