Holiday Parties Are Not the Exception to Minor Consumption Laws

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Children and young adults under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume alcohol in Utah, but when the holiday parties roll around, parents are more likely to make exceptions to minor consumption laws.

Momentary lapse in judgement

Minor Consumption
Photo by: Sam Howzit

Several people experience instances around the holidays where their common sense goes on hiatus. Frequently these lapses in judgement arise during holiday shopping when balances of bank accounts are temporarily forgotten. Sometimes a mindless moment can ensue which brings the risk of criminal charges. An example of this is when a parent decides to let their teenager taste champagne or wine at a family party.

Not a drop

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are typical times when parents may loosen up on rules and let their teenagers have “just a sip” of wine or champagne. While not hard liquor, these party drinks are still alcohol and against the law for minor consumption.
Utah Code 32B-4-409 states “it is unlawful for a minor to:

a) Purchase an alcoholic product;
b) Attempt to purchase an alcoholic product;
c) Solicit another person to purchase an alcoholic product;
d) Possess an alcoholic product;
e) Consume an alcoholic product; or
f) Have measurable blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration in the minor’s body.”

The only exceptions to Utah’s minor consumption laws are for medical reasons for those 18 and older when alcohol is prescribed or for religious purposes. Not only can those under 21 face charges for minor consumption, the adults who furnish the minors with alcohol can face charges too.

Sparkling juice

If giving a minor a glass of bubbly to celebrate the holidays is something that a parent really wants to do, there are substitutions such as sparkling juices that can be used instead. That way the occasion is still marked with a celebratory drink but no laws are broken in the process. For parents who have supplied minors with alcohol and who may be facing charges along with their children, contact a criminal defense attorney who handles adult as well as juvenile cases.