Do You Have To Be 21 To Buy Non Alcoholic Beer?

No, federal law does not require you to be 21 to buy non-alcoholic beer because it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, individual states may set stricter rules, and some retailers require buyers to be 21. Whether you need to show ID depends on your state laws and store policy.

Do you ever think about purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages, only to find someone inquiring, ‘Are you 21 and eligible for this?’ and then wonder, ‘Do I need to be 21?’ Well, yes, buying any alcohol in the U.S. requires you to be 21. But what about non-alcoholic beverages, like beer? 

Do you have to be 21 to buy non alcoholic beer? With all the new buzz surrounding non alcoholic drinks, breweries are jumping in and creating some of the best non alcoholic beers to try in 2025, so much so that even the minors want to jump in on the action. 

But being willing to try a non-alcoholic beer and being eligible for the same are two whole different things. Let’s discuss some more, shall we? 

Do You Have To Be 21 To Buy Non Alcoholic Beer? 

Do you? 

What The Federal Law Actually Says 🍺 

Let’s start with the big picture. Yes, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 established 21 as the minimum age to purchase any drink containing 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) or more. 

But hello? It’s not that simple. Does a non alcoholic beer have alcohol? Yes, but almost all non alcoholic beers sit just under that 0.5% limit, which means they don’t count as ‘alcoholic beverages’ under federal law. 

So, when you inquire, ‘Do you have to be 21 to buy non alcoholic beer?’. On paper, there’s no federal rule saying you have to be 21 to buy one. 

Do You Have To Be 21 To Buy Non Alcoholic Beer? States Still Call The Shots ⚖️ 

‘What states can minors buy non alcoholic beer?’ Well, your experience can look completely different depending on where you reside.

• While Washington sets the overall standard, each state handles the details its own way. 
• Some states, like California or Illinois, treat non-alcoholic beer like any other mocktail, with no ID checks and no legal age issues.
• Others, like Florida or Georgia, still require you to be 21 because the product resembles, smells like, and is branded like regular beer. 

Who Is Right? Federal Or State? 

Both are. The federal government doesn’t restrict who can buy non-alcoholic beer; 21 or not, you can. But then, states do have the freedom to be stricter if they choose to be. This is the reason why some retailers play it safe and card everyone regardless of the label. 

So, if you are 21 and have created this bubble of trying a non-alcoholic beer, it could burst, and that? Depends on your ZIP code. Federally, it's fine. Locally? The store clerk might become the bad guy for you. It's advised to always check your state laws before heading to grab one. 

Why State Laws Matter

While federal law does not impose a minimum age for purchasing non-alcoholic beer, individual states can create their own restrictions. Some states allow minors to purchase beverages under 0.5% ABV without issue. Others require buyers to be 21 because the product resembles traditional beer in packaging and branding. This is why age requirements can vary depending on your ZIP code.

Why Some Stores Still Ask for ID

Even in states where non-alcoholic beer is legal for those under 21, many retailers choose to check identification. Stores often apply a blanket 21+ policy to avoid confusion, reduce liability, or prevent accidental alcohol sales. As a result, a purchase that is legal under state law may still require proof of age at checkout.

State Laws For Buying Non Alcoholic Beer In the U.S. 

In the United States, beverages labeled as “non-alcoholic beer” typically contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Because they fall below the federal threshold used to define alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beers are not classified the same way as traditional beer under federal law. However, states have the authority to regulate these products differently.

Now that we’ve left you curious, saying, ‘Do you need to be 21 to buy non alcoholic beer?’ This depends on the state where you live, so I might as well update you about some. Here’s a breakdown of how different U.S. states handle purchasing and taking non alcoholic beer. 

In states like California, Texas, and Illinois, minors can legally purchase non-alcoholic beer. In states such as Florida, Georgia, and New York, buyers must typically be 21. Because laws change, always verify your state’s alcohol control regulations before purchasing.

States That Allow Purchase Under 21

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Jersey
• Ohio ( must be over 18 )
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wiscosin 

States That Do Not Allow Purchase Under 21 

• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

States With No Specific Law 

Here, the retailers may default to age 21, or policies may vary: 

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Vermont 

Non-Alcoholic Beer vs Regular Beer

Begin With The Best Non-Alcoholic Beer 

Do you have to be 21 to buy non alcoholic beer? Now that is an open-ended question, isn’t it? What if we told you that we actually have a sipping surprise for you that might help you develop a liking for non-alcoholic beverages, specifically beers? Don’t believe us? Oh, but we do!

Do you have to be 21 to buy non alcoholic beer? Now you know that you don’t.  It’s time to say a much-anticipated hello to one of our blissful packs: a Root Beer Seltzer for the perfect beer-like experience. Finding this one would mean you could have a full-fledged, fun, flavored, and fancy sipping spree. Only from us, Mitra9- a place, let us tell you, which is a total dream come true for all your mocktail manifestations, 21 or not.

Sources & Legal References

1. National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 – 23 U.S.C. §158

2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Title 27)

3. National Conference of State Legislatures – Alcohol Policy Overview

4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – APIS Database

5. Non-Alcohol Beer Market Overview & Definitions.

FAQs

Can you buy non alcoholic beer at 18?

Yes, in some states. It's always better to check your local laws and store policies for any potential non-alcoholic drinks that you’re looking forward to trying. 

Can minors buy non alcoholic beer?

Again, this depends on the state. Some consider it permissible because drinks with an ABV of under 0.5% are not classified as alcoholic. While others treat the beverage like a regular beer, restricting its purchase by minors. ( below 18 or 21 ).

Can kids buy non alcoholic beer?

In most cases, no. Either because the state law requires 21 or the retailers themselves choose to refuse to sell to very young buyers, even if the law permits it, treating non alcoholic beer as an alcoholic potion.  

Add Author bio

Alex Eagleton is a Senior Content & Research Editor specializing in functional beverages, non-alcoholic alternatives, and consumer education. With over 10+ years of experience in eCommerce, DTC brands, and digital publishing, Eagleton focuses on creating clear, well-researched, and accessible content that helps readers better understand plant-based ingredients, modern wellness trends, and alcohol-free lifestyle options. Eagleton’s work emphasizes transparency, responsible sourcing, and compliance-aware education for everyday consumers.

Disclaimer: Alcohol laws can change, and interpretations may vary by retailer. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always check your state’s official alcohol control board or regulatory authority for the most current rules.