-- Posted by Chocolate Winkies at 9:03 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 I know that consumption of alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in streets, highways, and places open to the public. However, is it illegal for minors to consume alcohol under the age of 21 in California? Also, what would they define as a "public place." As in, would someone's car be considered "open to the public" if parked in a parking lot or on a beach or something of the sort? Penal codes would be appreciated. Thanks. -- Posted by inachair at 9:04 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 i would just do it at my house so only your parents would know -- Posted by MR UNKNOWN at 9:04 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 I would imagine it means private places also -- Posted by porcelain cinderella at 9:05 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Private or public you can't drink under 21 in cali. Some cops are anal about it some dont care. The anal ones will bust you on it though. -- Posted by amberb1606 at 9:05 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 If you're under 21, in the united states, its illegal. Regardless of where you do it. Just dont get caught. So, drink at your house. -- Posted by Chocolate Winkies at 9:12 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Heh, I don't think my parents are up for it. But I thought that it's only illegal to buy under 21 in all states. I'm pretty sure there're some states where consumption privately isn't necessarily illegal. -- Posted by OodleNoodle at 9:19 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Just move to Canada. The drinking age here is 18. Or 19 in some provinces. -- Posted by i r sekz at 9:20 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 The way most states go its perfectly legal to drink in your home with your parents knowledge. Drinking in your car is not okay.  In fact that can get you a DUI even if you aren't driving.  In some states just being drunk and sleeping it off in the front passenger seat can get you a DUI. -- Posted by Chocolate Winkies at 9:25 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Quote: from i r sekz at 9:20 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 The way most states go its perfectly legal to drink in your home with your parents knowledge. Drinking in your car is not okay. In fact that can get you a DUI even if you aren't driving. In some states just being drunk and sleeping it off in the front passenger seat can get you a DUI. Crazy. I'm not sure if you'd know, but would a DUI still be possible if the person who owns that car isn't drinking? -- Posted by OodleNoodle at 9:27 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Quote: from Chocolate Winkies at 9:25 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Quote: from i r sekz at 9:20 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 The way most states go its perfectly legal to drink in your home with your parents knowledge. Drinking in your car is not okay. In fact that can get you a DUI even if you aren't driving. In some states just being drunk and sleeping it off in the front passenger seat can get you a DUI.   Crazy. I'm not sure if you'd know, but would a DUI still be possible if the person who owns that car isn't drinking? Yes. Otherwise people who steal cars wouldn't get charged with a DUI... It's driving under the influence. Not driving under the influence unless you don't own the car and the real owner isn't drinking. -- Posted by Chocolate Winkies at 9:32 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 Quote: from i r sekz at 9:20 pm on Sep. 17, 2008 The way most states go its perfectly legal to drink in your home with your parents knowledge. Drinking in your car is not okay. In fact that can get you a DUI even if you aren't driving. In some states just being drunk and sleeping it off in the front passenger seat can get you a DUI. Crazy. I'm not sure if you'd know, but would a DUI still be possible if the person who owns that car isn't drinking?