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 New York State, it is illegal to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, with few exceptions. This prohibition is outlined in the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, which makes it a criminal offense to supply alcohol to minors. Violators can face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. However, New York does allow for certain exceptions to this rule. For example, the law permits the consumption of alcohol by minors for religious purposes or when the alcohol is provided by a parent or guardian within a private home setting. Additionally, alcohol may be provided to minors for medicinal purposes if prescribed by a physician. Despite these exceptions, the general rule is that supplying alcohol to underage individuals is a criminal act in New York, and those who do so outside of the allowed exceptions can be prosecuted.