Underage Drinking is Allowed in Illinois and Wisconsin, Really?

I know you're thinking "What? Really?Underage drinking is allowed in Illinois and Wisconsin." No. Come on. Not seriously.

Sure the kids and teens will sneak it but our states don't actually allow it. Right?

Well yes, Illinois and Wisconsin do.

In fact several states according to this WGN report do. "At least three dozen states have laws on their books that carve out exceptions to whether minors can possess or consume alcohol in the U.S."

Take a look at the map and see for yourself.

Whoa! I had no idea. Minors can drink in certain locations with certain adults in both of our states. Is your mind blown right now? Mine certainly was.

In fact, according to the APIS (Alcohol Policy Information System) In Illinois our laws permit minors and alcohol under these terms:

Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• parent/guardian

Consumption is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• private residence
• AND parent/guardian

In Wisconsin the terms are:

Possession is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• parent/guardian
• OR spouse

Consumption is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• parent/guardian
• OR spouse

Furnishing is prohibited WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION(S):

• parent/guardian
• OR spouse

My intent on this article is not  to be casual and permit underage drinking but it's to inform you of this. I had no idea this was allowed. If your teens are with a guardian make sure that you have discussed your feelings and wishes about alcohol and your children.

Although underage drinking is on the decline. It's decreased by 6% from last year, the biggest factor in preventing underage drinking is parental involvement. Parents keeping the lines of communication open and talk to your kids about alcohol.