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Underage Drinking

Alaska

The policy topics, below, address statues and regulations related to underage drinking and access to alcohol.

Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

  • private location
  • AND EITHER parent/guardian OR spouse

Consumption is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

  • private location
  • AND EITHER parent/guardian OR spouse

Internal possession is not explicitly prohibited.

Purchase is prohibited, but youth MAY PURCHASE for law enforcement purposes.

Notes:

Although the amendment creating the law enforcement exception was approved in July of 2005, the effective date for the exception was made retroactive to September 27, 2004. See 2005 Alaska Sess. Laws 72.

Furnishing is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

  • private location
  • AND EITHER parent/guardian OR spouse

Beer: 21 for both servers and bartenders

Wine: 21 for both servers and bartenders

Spirits: 21 for both servers and bartenders

Beer: 21

Wine: 21

Spirits: 21

Provision(s) targeting minors:

  • Use of a false ID to obtain alcohol is a criminal offense
  • Penalty may include driver's license suspension through an administrative procedure

Provision(s) targeting retailers:

  • Licenses for drivers under age 21 are easily distinguishable from those for drivers age 21 and older
  • General affirmative defense - the retailer came to a good faith or reasonable decision that the purchaser was 21 years or older; inspection of an identification card not required
  • Retailer has the statutory right to sue a minor who uses a false ID to purchase alcohol for any losses or fines suffered by the retailer as a result of the illegal sale

     

BAC limit: 0.00 - any detectable alcohol in the blood is per se (conclusive) evidence of a violation.

Applies to drivers age 14 or above.

Applies to drivers under age 21.

Registration is not required.

No use/lose law.

Social host law is not specifically limited to underage drinking parties.

Action by underage guest that triggers violation: Possession

Property type(s) covered by liability law:

  • Residence
  • Outdoor
  • Other

Standard for hosts' knowledge or action regarding the party: KNOWLEDGE - host must have actual knowledge of the occurrence

Exception(s):

  • Family