Curfew and Drug Laws in the State of Ohio for Minors

A person under the age of 21 may not purchase or consume alcohol. A person under the age of 21 may not order or purchase beer or liquor in any public or private place (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse).

1. A person under the age of 21 may not use false identification in the purchase of beer or liquor.
2. A person may not sell or furnish any alcoholic beverages to someone under the age of 21. A person who sells or furnishes an alcoholic beverage to a person under 21 years of age could be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/ or imprisonment for up to six months, unless it is prescribed by a physician for medical reasons or administered by the minor’s parents or guardian. This means that a parent can legally give alcohol to his or her child in their home, BUT not to any other minors or it would be a first degree misdemeanor.
3. A property owner may not allow minors to possess or consume alcohol on his property. No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any underage person to remain in or on the property while possessing or consuming beer or intoxicating liquor, unless given by the minor’s parent or guardian.
4. A person may not allow the consumption of illegal drugs (including alcohol) by minors in her/his home. A person who knowingly permits illegal drug use on her/his premises could be sentenced to 6 months in jail and fined $1,000.
5. A person may not possess or use any controlled substance (i.e., illegal drugs). Possession of marijuana and other illegal drugs is prohibited under local and state statutes. This includes a drug prescribed by a doctor for another person.
6. A person may not have an open container of alcohol in his automobile or in a public place, such as a street or sidewalk.

NOTE: A juvenile may be charged as a delinquent for violating any statute or ordinance that would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult.

THE POSSIBILITY OF A CIVIL SUIT

Parents or other adults who furnish alcohol to a minor may be financially liable in a civil suit brought against them by anyone who suffers injury or property loss because of that intoxicated minor.

While parents should check local curfews, generally no one under 18 should be on the streets late at night, except for approved activities, usually school or church, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Curfews