Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws generally specify the legal age at which an individual can consume, possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. The MLDA in all states in the United States is 21 years. But the manner in which the MLDA is enforced—and the punishment for violations—varies from state to state.
In California, as in all other states in the United States, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) is 21 years. This means that individuals under the age of 21 are not legally allowed to consume, possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. Enforcement of the MLDA in California involves various state statutes and regulations. Violations of the MLDA can result in penalties such as fines, community service, mandatory alcohol education or intervention programs, and suspension of driver's license. The state also has 'zero tolerance' laws for underage drinking and driving, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 can lead to DUI charges. It's important to note that there are certain exceptions to the MLDA in California, such as consumption for religious purposes or in private settings with parental consent.