Rhode Island Underage Drinking Laws

All states prohibit the possession of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. State laws regarding exceptions to who may purchase or consume alcohol vary, as do other regulations concerning alcohol and their associated punishments. In Rhode Island, these laws are particularly strict and impose harsh penalties on underage drinkers and on those who provide alcohol to minors.

Rhode Island Underage Drinking Laws

Rhode Island has very specific laws regarding alcohol and those under the age of 21. In Rhode Island:

• It is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to possess alcohol.

• An underage person may not be provided alcohol except when accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.

• The minimum age to sell alcohol is 18.

• It is a criminal offense for someone under the age of 21 to procure false identification and attempt to obtain alcohol.

• It is illegal to lend, transfer, sell, manufacture, or distribute a false ID.

• A person under the age of 21 may not operate a motor vehicle with a BAC limit greater than or equal to 0.02. A level at or above this limit is viewed as conclusive evidence of a violation of the underage drinking law.

Particular violations can lead to the immediate, mandatory suspension, revocation, or denial of a driver’s license. These offenses include:

• The underage purchase of alcohol
• Underage possession of alcohol

Contact Us

If you have been charged with the illegal possession of alcohol or of providing alcohol to a minor, contact Rhode Island DUI defense attorney James Powderly today at 401-662-9006.