I am 19 and am going to Montreal with a few friends later this week. The drinking age there is 18 so obviously I will be taking advantage of that. We are traveling via car so we will be returning through the NY border. I am curious as to whether I would be allowed to bring back and be in possession of, a bottle of wine?
For instance, if I am searched AT THE BORDER (not like later on by cops during a speeding ticket somewhere in NY) while returning to the US will I get in trouble if they find liquor on me because the NY drinking age is 21??
The reason I am asking for help with this question is because this is an issue of federal/international jurisdiction…technically there is no "federal" drinking age so I am not sure if a minor being in possession of alcohol is something that BORDER PATROL would deal with…pretty sure only like NY State Cops could get me in trouble for that…but idk is the border patrol consisted of NY people…??
now i'm just confusing myself. help!
3 responses so far ↓
1 almighty_malachi // Jul 21, 2008
So, you're asking if it's OK for a minor to have alcohol in New York?
…think about that for a second.
2 maiden judy // Jul 21, 2008
Would not advise it! I am pretty sure the legal age in most states is 21 so yeah you would have a problem bringing alcohol over the border.
3 Andy // Jul 21, 2008
Just remember that the border patrol has a greater jurisdiction than the police. Alcohol is a drug. It is illegal for a minor to possess alcohol, and if you try to bring it across the border you will be apprehended, fined, and the bottle will be confiscated. Have a great time in Montreal, it's a fantastic city for clubbing, but keep the wine in Canada.