Alcohol and Tobacco Lesson goal

“Alcohol, spirits, wine, and beer, and any one or more of such varieties containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, including mixed alcoholic beverages, and every liquid or solid, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being.” (Code of Virginia § 4.1-100.)

It is illegal to purchase, possess, offer for sale or use, sell, or use a powdered or crystalline alcoholic product. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Code of Virginia § 4.1-302.2)

Alcohol – age restrictions

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or attempt to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. (Code of Virginia § 4.1-305)

Alcohol – penalties

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Penalties

• Include fines, driver’s license suspension, and community service. (Code of Virginia § 4.1-305)
• Upon conviction for purchasing, possessing, or attempting to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage, a person under the age of 21 may be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
• He/she may face a fine of up to $2,500 and/or a year in jail and/or 50 hours of community service, and can lose his/her driver’s license for up to a year. The court may also order substance abuse counseling and treatment.

Providing alcohol to minors

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Anyone who purchases for, or otherwise gives, provides, or assists in the provision of alcoholic beverages to, another person knowing that the person is less than 21 years of age is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Fake IDs

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

• Using a fake ID is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
• Possessing a fake ID is also a violation of law.
• It is also illegal to loan your driver’s license or identification card to another person.

Drinking and driving