Under 21

Attempt to Buy Alcohol at a Store

Business and Professions Code 25658.5.S

“Any person under the age of 21 years who attempts to purchase any alcohol beverage from a licensee, or the licensee’s agent or employee, is guilty of an infraction.”

Consequence

First offense $500 plus penalty assessments and/or 24-32 hours community service

Second offense $1000 plus penalty assessments and/or 36-48 hours community service.

Calling for help for a friend

Code
CA AB 1999

This bill grants "limited immunity from criminal prosecution for any person under the age of 21 years who is subject to prosecution ... where the person under the age of 21 years called 911 and reported that either himself or herself or another person was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption and conformed to other specified requirements."

Consequence

You are protected from consequences under these circumstances.

Takeaway

Always call if you are concerned. You could save someone's life. 

A similar protocol exists on campus. See Aggies Act. 

Fake IDs

Possession of False ID (25661 B&P)

“Any person under the age of 21 years who presents or offers to any licensee, his or her agent or employee, any written, printed, or photostatic evidence of age and identity which is false, fraudulent or not actually his or her own for the purpose of ordering, purchasing, attempting to purchase or otherwise procuring or attempting to procure, the serving of any alcoholic beverage, or who has in his or her possession any false or fraudulent written, printed, or photostatic evidence of age and identity, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

Consequence

$500 first violation + penalty assessments and/or 36-48 hours community service.

$1,000 second violation + penalty assessments and/or 36-48 hours community service.

 

Giving or Selling Alcohol to Someone Under 21

California 25628 Business and Professional Code:

“…every person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes to be sold, furnished, or given away, any alcohol beverage to any person under the age of 21 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

Consequence

$500-$1,000 fine and 36-48 hours community service

Minor in Possession

Business and Professions Code 25662

Consequence

If you’re in public, this is a misdemeanor and is punished by a fine of  $500 (not including penalty assessments) for a first violations and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments) for a second violation.

Takeaway

“Any person under the age of 21 who has any alcoholic beverage in his or her possession on any street or highway or in any public place or in any place open to the public is guilty of a misdemeanor”