Alcohol: Public Laws Governing the Use of Alcohol

Public laws most relevant to college-level students are summarized below. These apply to all persons within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where possession or consumption of alcohol is limited to those 21 years of age or older. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive.

• False ID cards are illegal. Possession, use, or manufacture of false ID cards will result in fines (a maximum of $500 for possession; a minimum of $1,000 for manufacture or sale) as well as suspension of the driver's license for a first offense.
• Underage possession of an alcoholic beverage is illegal. Attempt to purchase or the possession, transportation, or consumption of an alcoholic beverage will result in fines as well as suspension of the driver's license for a first offense. Fine for second offense is a maximum of $500.
• Representing a minor to be of age is illegal. Knowingly representing a person who is younger than 21 to be of age in order to have the person served or sold an alcoholic beverage will result in a minimum fine of $300 for the first offense.
• Asking a minor to purchase an alcoholic beverage is illegal, resulting in a minimum fine of $300 for the first offense.
• Selling or providing an alcoholic beverage to a minor is illegal, resulting in a fine of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for subsequent offenses. "Providing" includes allowing a minor to possess alcohol on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.
• Serving an alcoholic beverage to a visibly intoxicated person is illegal and will subject the provider to a fine.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Operating or controlling a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (while one's blood alcohol content is .08 % or higher) will result in a fine, suspension of driver's license, and minimum imprisonment of not less than 48 hours for the first offense.

Public Laws Governing the Use of Alcohol
Institutional Regulations Governing Use of Alcohol
Individual Responsibility Pertaining to the Use of Alcohol
Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages Outdoors
Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages Indoors
Guidelines for Enforcement
Guidelines for Social Functions