Under age drinking ?

[Kaytie]

. The only thing that stopped it was us saying that she would not be having any. That said, there is no uniform law throughout the U.S. See below. Scroll down to #8. That would be the circumstance governing WDW. http://drinkingage.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002591

It would not, because Florida doesn't have that exception/rule.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Countries (like France, Germany, Italy) allow 14 or 16 year olds to drink wine/beer at a restaurant -- and yet they are actually no worse off than the U.S. (and often better) when it comes to underage binge drinking, drunk driving, and alcoholism. Maybe because they have a healthier attitude toward alcohol with the family rather than discovering it as a forbidden fruit.

Agreed. Though that is more of a cultural thing we're dealing with. Many of the European countries view alcohol and sexuality (not getting into that just making a statement) much differently than the U.S. We are more strict on alcohol and sexuality less on violence (as far as things like gun rights, video games, movies, music, etc). Europe (as far as my experience goes) is more strict on violence less on alcohol (from what my experience is it's promoting the responsible drinking which is started with the family at dinners and at home at an earlish age) and sexuality.

 

[Bullseye]

As long as she not handing him a full drink right in front the venue they should be fine. Even if someone did question them, being from abroad she could feign ignorance and appear upset and contrite and they would let her off with a warning. And that's if anyone even says a word, which probably won't happen.

 

[BusyP76]

Exactly. It's not a felony, or anything remotely close to being arrest-worthy.

I can't remember what it's called in Florida (where I grew up and went to high school and college), but here in Texas the most an underager can get is a ticket for MIP (minor in possession), or at worst PI (public intoxication) and both are misdemeanors that carry less weight than a speeding ticket. And that's WITHOUT a parent present.

Now, if your kid gets wasted-face and wrecks a bunch of stuff that causes damages - THAT'S when you, as a parent, are on the hook and face the possibility of being brought up on charges and face the risk of being taken to lock-up for a few hours.

Just to clarify, as the adult providing the alcohol, YOU can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and/or providing alcohol to a minor. They can charge you with both if they chose to although usually they will end up just going with the lesser charge. (A good lawyer will probably be able to get those charges dismissed but then you are looking at legal fees/court fees.) And while still misdemeanors, these charges come with heavier fines for the adult being charged and CAN result in jail time. Not saying it's likely at WDW or even at a local Florida restaurant being that it's your son and he's with you but that is the COMPLETE picture should you choose to break this law.

I'm not advocating for or against but I think the OP would like the entire answer or she wouldn't have asked the question. I'd be less likely to break foreign laws while on vacation than I would be in my home country. Do whatever you are comfortable with but now you know!

 

[drp4video]

I live on the border with Canada. As a 19 year old I could not drink in Michigan, but I could in Windsor Canada. As 19 year olds we all used to visit Canada a Lot lol. Then that winter the drinking age in Michigan was lowered to 18. That didn't last long, back up to 21.

One year we were going to Punta Cana for Christmas and we stopped at WDW on the way....well it's really not on the way but we booked a stop there, and my daughter who was 20 at the time, who could drink in Canada and in Punta Cana could not drink at WDW. So no drink in WDW today but you can drink tomorrow in Punta Cana.

So many inconsistencies. I am not going to say my daughter did not sample any alcohol that visit but you just have to be careful.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So many inconsistencies.

Eh..that implies that one is right and one is wrong. Different laws and different cultures for different areas.

 

[PetePanMan]

be discrete and don't worry. IMO, the references to possible prosecution are silly - not going to happen

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

be discrete and don't worry. IMO, the references to possible prosecution are silly - not going to happen

Wow..just wow. Advocating breaking the law? How old are your kids? Mine is 33 and she has been carded at the Epcot restaurants. Maybe not prosecuted , but risk being asked to leave the parks. They have been cracking down at F&W with more security especially on the weekends.

To the OP...hope you have a great trip and keep in mind that this is Fl and the laws are different here.

 

[Gowans]

You should know that in Epcot i had plain clothed security ask to double check my ID when i was drinking.
I'm 28 and I know i look young but i wouldn't risk it. Even if it is 1 in a million chance.

 

[DarkPaw]

Just realise that sinse you're not a US citizen, "IF" you were to be arrested, you'd have to resolve the mater before being allowed to leave the country...

Will it happen, probably not. But you only need one overzealous cop.

Would I do it in my own country? sure. In another country.... no... I don't need that trouble.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

Keep in mind that getting arrested in the US could keep you from using the Visa Waiver program in the future. That's a HUGE headache.

While I think the 21 year old drinking law is dumb (my parents let me sample alcohol with them after I turned 18) I wouldn't risk it as a visitor on a visa. It's just not worth the hassle.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

We've gotten carded by random CMs, who I'm assuming were some sort of management, after being served while drinking our drinks, so it does happen. It doesn't change the fact that it's illegal, and I wouldn't suggest trying it, I just think it's not worth the risk.

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

When we were there in 2014 we stopped to buy cocktails at a stand on the Boardwalk.
When MrsABZDisneyFan ordered them the server asked her for ID.
At that time we were both well into our 40's & although she looks young for her age there is no way she looks any way close to being under 21, I thought it was hilarious & couldn't stop laughing, although I was bit disappointed that she didn't ask me for my ID.

 

[rg35]

.

 

[NYDisGuy]

Jeeze, stop with the fear mongering. Yes it's illegal but so is driving 1mph over the speed limit. As everyone said, as long as it's discreet and he's not drunk there won't be an issue. Extra security is there because the F&W festival is turning into Pleasure Island 2.0, they aren't there to crack down on beer sippers.

 

[JimmyV]

It would not, because Florida doesn't have that exception/rule.

That was clearly stated in my post wherein I said: "For purposes of the OPs question, Florida does not technically allow the sharing of alcohol with a minor,..." But you left that part out of your quote. Not sure why.

 

[HM2012Butler]

It's definitely illegal. However a few sips or maybe buy a drink and hand if off..you'll be fine. Just do it away from where you bought it so you're not handing it off right in front of the CM. Aside from buying the alcohol, no one will be asking for ID.

It's not like anyone has never done it before

This is the best you'll get. If you hand off to him, most people wont question it. Most will assume the CM did their job and checked IDs. People are blowing it out of proportion. The UCs aren't there for the sole purpose of preventing underage drinking and others aren't looking to ruin your vacation. Be smart about it and you'll be fine. Just a sip wont draw the SWAT team as some are referencing.

For the record, I am 24 and look about 18. I drink in EPCOT (or other parks) probably 2-3 times a month. I have never been carded after purchase (not to say it doesn't happen).

When I was a CP friends would buy and hand off. Never had an issue. I'm not saying its ok to break the law but I don't think a SIP of a drink is going to be a huge deal. Yes its illegal but people need to get off their high horse.

 

[Minnesota!]

I cannot believe the fear mongering on here!

I come from a liberal state where drinking is allowed as long as the parents are there. So, yes, my kids have had sips of my beer, and anything else alcoholic I might be sipping on. My goal for my kids + alcohol is to take the mystery and fascination with it away. If it is something that is not "forbidden", they will likely not over indulge. Same way I was raised.

I understand Florida doesn't hold the same laws, but at 19, I would still offer my kid a sip, in Florida, if he asked..

 

[BusyP76]

I cannot believe the fear mongering on here!

I come from a liberal state where drinking is allowed as long as the parents are there. So, yes, my kids have had sips of my beer, and anything else alcoholic I might be sipping on. My goal for my kids + alcohol is to take the mystery and fascination with it away. If it is something that is not "forbidden", they will likely not over indulge. Same way I was raised.

I understand Florida doesn't hold the same laws, but at 19, I would still offer my kid a sip, in Florida, if he asked..

Fear mongering? The OP asked a question because she was worried about getting in trouble and Florida law. Several people (myself included) told her exactly what the Florida law is and what CAN happen. Most of these posts (mine included) stated it was not LIKELY to happen and to use her best judgement. People even offered personal experiences with this exact situation. If I'm in Florida, with my 19yr old (she's only 15 now so I'm speaking hypothetically) I too have no issue letting her try a sip of my margarita or Gray Goose slushy. Obviously, I'm not going to hand her her own drink in front of a cop but I would use my best judgement KNOWING exactly what the law is. What I'm not going to do is tell a foreign traveler who asks the question what my own interpretation of the law is or to not worry about it. That's up to her.

Edit to add: we don't stigmatize alcohol in my house either. My kids have both tried a sip of something I was drinking. They thought it was gross....excellent!

 

[lovethattink]

My son was carded on Mother's Day. He is 22.