This policy topic is included in the APIS Highlight on Underage Drinking section.  The Highlight's overview of underage drinking policy in the United States provides additional context that may be helpful in understanding this policy topic. State-by-State summaries of eleven underage drinking policy topics are available in the State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws section.  Maps and charts for all of these policy topics are collected on a single page to provide a more comprehensive graphical overview of underage policies.

Policy Description

Most States have laws that specify a minimum age for employees who sell alcoholic beverages in off-premises establishments.  In some States, the minimum age for sellers is 21.  In many States, however, off-premises sellers may be younger than 21, and in a few States no minimum age is specified. 

In some cases, persons under 21 may be allowed to sell alcohol only in certain types of off-premises establishments (e.g., grocery stores, convenience stores), or may be allowed to sell only some beverage types (e.g., beer, wine).  In some cases, sellers of alcohol must be at least 18, but younger employees may be allowed to stock coolers with alcohol or bag purchased alcohol.

Several States place conditions on off-premises sellers under 21 years of age. These include requirements that a legal-age manager or supervisor be present when the underage person is selling alcoholic beverages.

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Email a link to this page: http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/Ages-OffPremises