State & Local Laws
Additional Information
Minimum Age to Serve Alcoholic Beverage in On-Premises Establishments
Thirty-seven (37) states and the District of Columbia permit adults age 18 or older to serve alcoholic beverages in on-premises establishments. Generally the term server refers to a waitperson, whereas “bartender” refers to a person who dispenses alcoholic beverages. The minimum ages for bartenders are found at Minimum Age to Bartend. On-premises establishments are those in which alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption where purchased instead of elsewhere. They are typically restaurants and bars.
In some states, persons under 21 may be allowed to serve alcohol only in certain types of on-premises establishments, such as restaurants. In some cases, servers must be at least a specified age, but younger employees may be allowed to stock coolers with alcohol or clear alcoholic beverages from tables.
Some states place conditions on on-premises servers under 21 years of age. These include requirements that a legal-age manager or supervisor be present when the underage person is serving alcoholic beverages and/or that the underage server undergo beverage server training beyond that otherwise mandated in the state.
These laws are summarized on the following map.
Information is based on data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and is correct as of January 1, 2005.
Do not rely on this website for legal information, which can change rapidly and must be properly interpreted. This website does not provide legal advice or opinion and none should be inferred. Always consult a qualified lawyer for legal information and assistance.
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