What are the legal consequences of serving underage individuals?

In Virginia, it is illegal to serve alcohol to minors under the age of 21. If a person is found to have served alcoholic beverages to an underage individual, they are subject to both civil and criminal consequences. If the underage individual injures or kills someone while intoxicated, the person who provided them with the alcohol may be found liable in a civil lawsuit. Virginia has a “dram shop” law that says a person, business or organization that sells or serves alcohol to a minor can be sued for any property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death that results from that minor’s intoxication. This means that anyone who serves a minor alcohol may be responsible for any damages caused by the minor. Additionally, the person who served the underage individual can face criminal charges. Virginia has laws that dictate the legal consequences of serving underage persons, which include a minimum fine of $2,500 and/or 12 months in jail. Furthermore, their liquor license will be revoked and they may have to pay damages for any resulting harm caused by the underage individual. Since the consequences of serving minors are so severe, it is important for all servers of alcohol in Virginia to ensure that any person they serve is at least 21 years of age before providing them with any alcoholic beverages.

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What are the legal consequences of serving underage individuals?

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