Help understanding the legal drinking age in Canada?

Question

right, so here in Ontario the legal age is 19... BUT according to what i read on Wikipedia underage drinking is permitted in Ontario if it is done at "home" under adult supervision....

"Underage drinking under adult supervision is permitted in licensed premises in New Brunswick, and at home in the provinces of Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Ontario "

Is this true?

this is the source that was given-- i've scanned it through to find where it says this, but i haven't been able to find it, the wording it a little confusing

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90l19_e.htm#BK33

im just looking for a canadian (opp) police officer who knows what he's talking about to let me know if its true or not... (and to check out the link to see if it says it anywhere in there)

thanks

Answer 1

Drinking age outside of home without parents consent is 19.

At home, doesnt have to be under supervision but with verbal permission from parents is 100% acceptable, even if you are like 6.

I'm not joking, our drug laws up here are really, really ******.

Answer 2

You're in the right ballpark with that link.  Scroll down to subsection 13.

(13)  This section does not apply,

(a) to the supplying of liquor to a person under nineteen years of age in a residence as defined in section 31 or in a private place as defined in the regulations by a parent of the person or a person having lawful custody of the person; or

(b) to the consumption of liquor by a person who is supplied liquor in a manner described in clause (a), if the liquor is consumed at the place where it is supplied. R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19, s. 30 (13).

In other words, it doesn't have to be at your own home; if you go out with your folks to somebody else's house, and your dad offers you a beer, that's perfectly acceptable.

However, contrary to popular belief, parental permission doesn't cut it.  You can't get your parents' permission to drink then head out to a friend's party and get plastered and still be within the law, if you're under 19.  (I've often wondered if an 18-year-old can be said to have 'lawful custody' of himself...I operated on that theory when I was 18, but I wouldn't count on that actually working in court.  ;-)  Rather, parental supervision is required.....actually, strictly speaking, it has to be your parents who actually give you the drinks.

Answer 3

I dont know if it;s legal or not..... but I'm pretty sure no one (law enforcement included) cares.

And the drinking at home thing, I'm pretty sure that means parental approval, like they have to buy the liquer for you, and would be responsible if you did anything dumbass.