Technically, Teens Can Drink in Minnesota… In Certain Situations

We all know that you have to be 21 or older to drink alcohol in the US. But, fun fact, most states have exceptions to that rule that allow teens to drink, too!

Some states are more lax than others, but 45 out of 50 states have some sort of exception or exceptions to the 21+ law. This includes Minnesota.

ALSO READ: Where to Find Minnesota's 'Last True Wilderness'

States Where You Need to Be 21 to Drink No Matter What

It's kind of wild to think that all but 5 states allow teens to drink in some capacity.

According to Vine Pair, the states that don't allow people under 21 to drink alcohol for any reason are:

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

Yes, that means in Minnesota, there are certain instances where teens can drink.

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Why Someone Under 21 May Be Allowed to Drink

Vine Pair lays out the exact reasons why a state may allow a teen to drink. These are not all reasons allowed in every state, and some states have stricter rules for each than others.

Confusing, I know.

The reasons a teen may be allowed to drink are:

• Family (a family gathering, etc.)
• Religious (communion, for example)
• Medical (cough syrup, for example, can have trace amounts of alcohol)
• Educational (going to culinary school, etc.)
• Business

The business one is really interesting and only a thing in Hawaii and Michigan. If there's an underage agent who is under cover and part of their undercover persona is that they are over 21 and drink alcohol, then they're legally allowed to do that. That's so wild!

When Teens Are Allowed to Drink Alcohol in Minnesota

In Minnesota, we have two exceptions that allow teens to drink alcohol.

One is the family exception. Now, this can be different in each state. Does it have to be a particular family member? Does it have to be in that family member's house?

In Minnesota's case, the teen must be in their parent or legal guardian's home, and the parent or legal guardian must have given consent.

Minnesota's other exception is medical-related.

I mentioned the cough syrup and other medicines that have trace amounts of alcohol in them. But there's another reason the medical exception is important.

This means that if there is someone who is underage, they've been drinking, but then they need to seek medical attention, this exception allows them to do so without fear that they'll be prosecuted.

According to JS Defense, the same goes for someone who is underage, has been drinking, and is helping a friend get medical help.

Obviously that last one isn't an 'excuse' for teens to drink alcohol, but it provides a great safety net for someone who needs medical attention.

(H/T: Popcrush)