Are There Exceptions to the Legal Drinking Age of 21 in Michigan?

There are many states in the U.S. that have exceptions to the national drinking age.

When it comes to the consumption of alcohol in the United States, a person must be 21 years of age or older to drink. That is according to an act passed by the Federal Government in 1984 called the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.

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As with many things in life, there are exceptions to this rule. The 21st Amendment gives states the power to establish the drinking age however they see fit within their own borders. However, if a state decides not to use the federal minimum age law, that state is at risk of losing federal funding. Even with that risk, all but five states have federal age law exceptions.

What are examples of some of these exceptions?

While only five states make no exceptions to the federal law, the other 45 states make some sort of exception to the law. Some of those exceptions include:

• Selling and/or Serving Alcohol. Many states allow servers and bartenders to sell or serve alcohol at 18 years of age or older. Currently, Michigan and Maine are the only two states to allow 17-year-olds to do this.
• Religious Reasons. Exceptions have been made in some states for religious ceremonies such as communion.
• Purchased by Family Members. Some states allow a family member to provide alcohol to those under 21 (some may require a family member to be present while it is consumed as well.)

SEE ALSO: Can You Buy Alcohol on Sunday Before Noon in Michigan?

There are a lot of exceptions that can be made. In Texas, a minor can drink in a place licensed to sell alcohol if their parent is present and allows it.

Does Michigan have any exceptions to the legal drinking age?

Yes and no. When it comes to selling and serving, yes. Michiganders can legally sell and serve alcohol at restaurants and bars at the age of 17. When it comes to places like grocery stores, liquor stores, and the like, that person must be at least 18 to sell alcohol.

As far as the consumption of alcohol, Michigan makes no exceptions to the federal minimum age law.

Source: Worldpopulationreview.com and Michigan.gov