Where can minors drink on MS Coast? Underage drinkers have more rights than you’d expect
Just like the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” you can, indeed, have a baby in a bar. In fact, you can have a baby, a child and a teenager in a bar, as long as they aren’t buying alcohol.
According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, “Persons under the age of 21 may be inside licensed premises; however, they cannot be allowed to drink or be sold alcoholic beverages.”
The owners of individual establishments have discretion to allow or prohibit minors from entering, but the State of Mississippi has no qualms about it. In fact, Mississippi allows minors aged 18-20 to work in bars in certain circumstances like waiting tables or bussing tables, but they can’t tend bar until 21.
If minors want to drink, however, they will have to stay at home, since they are allowed to consume “beer and light wine” under the following circumstances.
They are at least 18 years old
Under direct supervision and approval of a parent or guardian
In the privacy of the parent’s or guardian’s home
Under no circumstances are minors allowed to drink “hard spirits” like rum, gin, vodka or whiskey, and this even extends to married 18-year-olds.
Additionally, possession of alcoholic beverages by minors is generally illegal in public places, as is furnishing or selling alcohol to anyone under 21.
Thoughts about minors in bars or drinking at home? Email me or find me on Instagram.
