Consumption of alcohol by anyone under age 21 is a persistent problem for law enforcement and an offense that can have serious consequences for anyone involved.

Underage drinkers violate the law not only when they consume alcohol, but also when they commit the following infractions:

• Possess alcohol on a public street or in a public place
• Lie about their age to get alcohol
• Occupy a residence and knowingly let someone such as their friends under 21 possess alcohol
• Rent a hotel or motel room, knowing that the room will be used for illegal drinking
• Carry, make, obtain or copy a false identification card
• Operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their system. Illinois' "Use It & Lose It"/zero tolerance law became effective on January 1, 1995. It set the acceptable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for drivers under the age of 21 at .00

Penalties for violating the laws are stiff. Unlawful consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor will lead to a suspension of the minor’s driving privileges. The fine can range from $500 to $2,500 and/or 1 to 364 days in jail. The use of a false I.D. card can lead to a fine of $25,000 or three years in jail.

Teenage Drinking Laws
Parents who allow their teenage children to begin drinking in the home also face stiff penalties of 1-3 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine for parents or legal guardians if the drinking leads to serious injuries or death. This includes an underage drunk driving crash, alcohol poisoning, and other incidents leading to injury or death involving an underage drinker. A very limited exception is allowed for a parent/guardian who provides alcohol to underage individuals for religious observance.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.