Skip to content

Prohibiting Minors from Bars

Description of Strategy

While all states have established a minimum drinking age of 21, few prohibit all aspects of the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol by those under age 21. In many states throughout the country, minors are permitted in bars unaccompanied by an adult. State and local regulations vary widely in the extent to which they permit minors to enter on-sale retail alcohol outlets (Inspector General, 1991). While states may restrict minors’ access to bars and nightclubs, they may allow minors into restaurants that serve alcohol. Other states may prohibit minors from entering any establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. One of the most common ways to reduce minors’ access to alcohol is to prohibit minors from entering bars. This is done by implementing age identification checks at the door by trained employees using proper tools and lighting (Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 2011).

Previously, in Wyoming, no person under the age of 18 was permitted in licensed rooms where alcohol was dispensed or sold (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 12-5-203, 2012). This statute was repealed in 2017.

Discussion of Effectiveness

Alcohol

No evidence regarding the effectiveness of prohibiting minors from bars for alcohol-related outcomes was located.