State & Local Laws
Most questions about alcohol and drinking laws and regulations can be obtained by contacting local law enforcement agencies or the agency delegated with the authority to control alcohol production, distribution, sale and consumption within a state.
Pow!
In the early 1700s, the alcohol content of distilled beverages was determined by using gunpowder. A beverage would be “proved” acceptable by pouring some on gunpowder and lighting it.
Learn more about Proof
State Alcoholic Beverage or Liquor Control Board Directory - These are the state agencies primarily responsible for alcohol beverage law enforcement.
Minimum Age for Bartending - Twenty-four (24) states in the U.S. permit adults age 18 or older to tend bar in on-premises establishments.
Minimum Age to Serve Alcohol in On-Premises Establishments - Thirty-seven (37) states that permit adults age 18 or older to serve alcoholic beverages in on-premises establishments.
Drinking Alcohol Under Age of 21 (Underage Drinking) Not Prohibited in 33 U.S. States - Thirty-three (33) states permit so-called underage persons to consume alcohol or to consume it under certain circumstances.
This Map links to state legal and administrative codes as well
as to those of over 5,000 municipalities in the U.S. 
Municipalities
- District of Columbia
- Codes of over 5,000 municipalities and counties are available free online at www.ordlink.com/codes.htm
- A guide to using legal resources to find alcohol laws is found at www.epi.umn.edu/alcohol/pathfinder/pathfinder.html
NOTE: Links are provided as a tool only. Material on links may be unofficial, incomplete, or incorrect. Anyone seeking legal guidance should not rely on these links but should consult a qualified professional who is licensed to practice law.
Collections of articles, readings and references on specific topics. 
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