Can a parent give their child alcohol ?

Question

my friend told me that parents can give their child alcohol and let them smoke. I don't think so but I am not sure.I live in upstate ny

Answer 1

There are indeed some states that allow parents to give their children (but no other children - only those they have legal guardianship of) alcohol, as long the parent buys it, and actively/directly supervises their children the entire time they are drinking.  I've taken a quick look through http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/nycodes/SL... but I couldn't find anything like this.

My parents, if they bought wine when we were on holiday (we didn't normally keep any at home) would let us taste it; half a glass would be all.  I don't think something like that is illegal, but out at a restaurant, etc, no server would allow the underaged to drink, even with the parent's permission; even if you were in a state that allowed it, it's not a well known piece of legislation.

Answer 2

Absolutely not. There was a case here recently where a prof from the U of M was at a baseball game and accidentally gave his child Mike's Hard Lemonade. The child was removed from his care with all haste - and while the child was returned within a few days, it was only because of the real innocence of the mistake.

Answer 3

Smoking, NO.

Alcohol, Not unless it is for church, or other religious activities,

otherwise it is illegal. (and only Wine passes)

Drugs  and Alcohol are illegal to minors!  

Answer 4

Smoking Yes.

Drinking Yes.

A parent or guardian is allowed to give alcohol to their own minor child.  Some states have restrictions about whether the minor must be within his/her own home, or not.  However ALL 50 states have some exception where a guardian is allowed to let a minor imbibe.  The adult must be responsible, and cannot endanger the child, but the minor may habve alcohol with permission.  Usually, the adult must supervise and be present when the minor imbibes.

That is to say you can't give a minor a six-pack and then send them on their way, but social drinking, or drinking for religious or political reasons is wholly allowed.

Answer 5

no, but each state has it's own laws.

Answer 6

Smoke, no. New York prohibits smoking by under 18's under any circumstances.

Alcohol, yes, under the correct circumstances.

In New York a person under 21 may consume alcohol in their own home, with their parents consent. They can also consume in a licensed restaurant, with a meal, if the parent actually pours the drink. (Mere 'consent' is not enough)

It is also illegal, in NY, for a minor to have a BAC above 0.02% at any time. So while it's legal for a parent to serve their child wine with a meal, for example, they must restrict the amount to ensure they remain under the 0.02% limit.

Richard

Answer 7

You really shouldn't so yeah, it can ruin his/ her life if they have an addictive history or genes.... so dont! :D  

Answer 8

Smoking underage is 100% illegal everywhere.

The age limit for drinking only applies in public places (places frequented by members of the public). It does not apply in your own home so you can legally allow your children to drink.

However, if you allow your children to drink excessively underage you can  be charged under laws governing parental responsibility and duty of care (allowing your child to drink excessively is treated in the same way as giving your child a hammer and allowing them to hit themselves with it).

If you buy your child a six pack and let them drink it on the beach then you will be charged, if you let them have a glass of wine with diner, you won't be.

This said, some states have stricter laws.

Answer 9

Smoking - yes

Drinking - no.

Underaged drinking is completely illegal.  No if's, and's, or but's.

Smoking is completely legal.  It is illegal to buy cigarettes unless you're of the age, however smoking itself is fine.  I believe you have to be 14 to smoke, all I know is that the smoking age is lower than the buying age.

Thing is, it's illegal to give a minor cigarettes.  So it's not illegal for them to smoke, but it's illegal for anyone to give them cigarettes.

Answer 10

I have given my kids sips and then they just spit it out because it taste like c**p to them.  I am hoping that will stay in their memory for a long time so I don't have to worry about them being drunk teens.  I know some religions allow this but it is not to get them drunk.  Thats when the line needs to be drawn.  

Why would you allow your child to smoke? It is a gross, nastly, and costly habit why let them start?  

Answer 11

To drink (no)

For cuts / injuries (yes)