Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: suppling alcohol to minors

Thank you for your inquiry.

The law in this area is covered by Cal. Business & Professions Code �25658(a).

Under that statute, minors are not allowed to consume alcohol in the presence of their parents or legal guardian under any circumstances, either on or off a licensed premises, except that a very small amount of an alcoholic beverage may be consumed in a bonafide religious service. The prohibition extends to all locations in the state, not only within a licensed premises. Those furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors face a misdemeanor charge regardless of the location (except as described above.)

As a misdemeanor, this is a crime, and the penalty is a mandatory fine of $1,000 and at least 24 hours of community service, and, in extreme situations, potentially jail time of up to six months.

I hope this helps, but if you have further questions, want more information, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. I am happy to help in any way that I can.