Why It’s Legal for Minors to Drink Alcohol in These 45 States

So, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which is 21 as you know, only became a thing in 1984. I know I've heard the stories of those who crossed state lines if they could when the drinking age was 18 in some states, while 21 in others.

However, get this! Drinking booze when you're under 21 is still legal in 45 states. Yes, while this national law is on the books for each state to follow, that doesn't mean states can't create their own exceptions.

You see, according to the Alcohol website, in order for states to receive certain types of federal funding, each must adhere to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. That said, each state can have exceptions to this law when it comes to minors drinking.

WHEN MINORS CAN DRINK ALCOHOL LEGALLY

• Parent/Guardian Family Consent
• Religious Reasons
• Medical Reasons
• Culinary Class

In fact, surprisingly, there are only five states that don't have any of these exceptions, meaning underage drinking is totally prohibited anytime.

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• New Hampshire
• West Virginia

Meanwhile, according to the Drinking Age Pro Con website, the easiest of these being the family consent, isn't on the books in some states.

According to the Vine Pair website, these states are sticker, only allowing for medical, religious, or culinary school allowances.

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.

As with all laws, things can change state by state with new or altered laws, so always double-check.

Click here to learn more about what each exception law means per state.