All states have provisions that prohibit supplying alcohol to underage individuals. States punish these activities as criminal offenses, and anyone who knowingly supplies underage individuals with alcohol is committing a crime—except in a few limited circumstances provided by some state laws, such as in a home environment, or for medicinal purposes.
In Maryland, it is illegal to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, with few exceptions. This prohibition is outlined in the Maryland Code, specifically in the Criminal Law and Alcoholic Beverages sections. Violating this law is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. However, Maryland law does allow for certain exceptions, such as when alcohol is provided to a minor within a private residence and with the supervision and consent of a parent or guardian. Additionally, alcohol may be provided to minors for legitimate medicinal purposes, as long as it is done so in accordance with the law. Despite these exceptions, the general rule is that supplying alcohol to underage individuals is a criminal act and is taken seriously by law enforcement and the courts in Maryland.