California State Laws for Drinking in Bars & Pubs
Alcohol laws are in place in California and every other state to protect minors from the dangers of drinking to excess and to keep residents and visitors safe from drunkenness. Anyone thinking of visiting a California bar or nightclub is well-advised to acquaint themselves with state laws concerning alcohol.
Other People Are Reading
-
Minimum Age
-
Under the rules set out in Section 25665 of the Californian Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from consuming alcohol in a bar or pub, or even entering and remaining in such an establishment, regardless of whether or not they have parental consent. Minor are permitted, by law, to enter a restaurant that has a bar attached to it, though they may not drink alcohol.
Punishment
-
Under California law, minors caught purchasing alcohol in a pub or bar will be judged to be guilty of a misdemeanor. As such, they will be assessed a minimum fine of $200 and likely be ordered to undertake community service. Meanwhile, bartenders knowingly serving a minor alcohol on licensed premises will be fined up to $1,000 and may be jailed for six months should the minor suffer an injury as a result of being intoxicated.
-
Sale Hours
-
Bars across California are not permitted to sell alcohol between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.. However, establishments are permitted to stay open until 3 a.m., provided they don't serve their patrons any more alcoholic beverages after 2 a.m.. As was once the case, bars and pubs in California are no longer required to shut their doors on election days.
Unruly Behavior
-
Persons considered habitual drunkards, or obviously intoxicated, may not be served on licensed premises. The onus of responsibility lies with the bartender or manager. Those caught serving alcohol to anyone considered a drunkard or intoxicated will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pub image by Raulmahón from Fotolia.com
