So Halloween’s coming up, and I had this random thought—would it be legal to give kids non-alcoholic beer (0.0% ABV) when they’re out trick-or-treating? Like, just to be clear, I’m talking about ones with no alcohol content at all. Wondering if that’s even allowed, or if it’d just be asking for trouble.
Legally, if it’s actually 0.00% alcohol, then you’re probably in the clear. But honestly, you’d end up with a crowd of angry parents and cops on your doorstep real quick.
Luca said:
Legally, if it’s actually 0.00% alcohol, then you’re probably in the clear. But honestly, you’d end up with a crowd of angry parents and cops on your doorstep real quick.
You need ID to buy NA beer, so yeah, probably wouldn’t risk it.
While you’re at it, toss in some candy cigarettes… In some states, even non-alcoholic beer is restricted to adults.
Lucas said:
While you’re at it, toss in some candy cigarettes… In some states, even non-alcoholic beer is restricted to adults.
And some blue rock candy meth for good measure.
But why would you even want to do that?
This is the kind of thing that’s legal but not smart.
Depends on where you live. Federally, drinks under 0.5% ABV aren’t regulated, but some states do restrict it for minors.
Laken said:
Depends on where you live. Federally, drinks under 0.5% ABV aren’t regulated, but some states do restrict it for minors.
For example:
Maine: Non-alcoholic beer is treated the same as alcoholic beer for minors.
Georgia: Similar rules apply.
Many ‘non-alcoholic’ beers still contain traces of alcohol, often around 0.5%. Even if it’s technically legal, the social consequences might be worse than any legal ones.
Vita-malt is a non-alcoholic drink that tastes kind of like beer and is marketed to kids in some countries.
Out of curiosity, why would you want to?
Lots of non-alcoholic beer is still around 0.5% ABV, which can be a legal gray area. Even if technically okay, it could lead to problems with parents or authorities.
Han said:
Lots of non-alcoholic beer is still around 0.5% ABV, which can be a legal gray area. Even if technically okay, it could lead to problems with parents or authorities.
It’s actually illegal for minors to drink non-alcoholic beer in places like Georgia, Maine, and New York.
It’s no more illegal than giving kids espresso, just probably not the best choice.
Yan said:
It’s no more illegal than giving kids espresso, just probably not the best choice.
The espresso might even be worse, but the beer definitely feels worse. Just a bad call overall.
Non-alcoholic beer is basically just bad soda. So technically yes, you can give it to kids.
Why would it be illegal?
Cedar said:
Why would it be illegal?
Because there’s still a small amount of alcohol in some of them, and about a third of states actually restrict them for kids.