Drinking age in Massachusetts (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The minimum age for alcohol is 21 under state law. Only the points listed here were read from the official statute; local rules may differ.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | A person under 21 who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and knowingly possesses, transports or carries alcohol commits an offence (fine up to $50 for a first offence); this does not apply to a person aged 18 to 20 doing so in the course of employment. Supplying alcohol to a person under 21 is an offence, but allowing one's own children and grandchildren to possess alcohol on premises one owns or controls is not treated as supplying. [2] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Licensees may not sell alcohol on Sundays as follows, except as section 33A provides: tavern licensees may not sell at all, and other section 12 licensees may not sell between 1:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Section 12 licensees may not sell on Christmas Day or before noon on the last Monday in May (in Suffolk County from 2:00 a.m.). Section 15 licensees may not sell before noon on the last Monday in May, or on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, and not during polling hours on election days unless the local licensing authority orders otherwise. [3] |
Sources
- Massachusetts Legislature: General Laws Part I, Title XX, Chapter 138, Section 34 (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 May 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Massachusetts General Court: M.G.L. c. 138, s. 34C (Internet Archive snapshot of the official page, 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Massachusetts General Court: M.G.L. c. 138, s. 33 (Internet Archive snapshot of the official page, 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Massachusetts and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 21 (sales to under 21 banned) | 21 (sales to under 21 banned) | Under 21 only with parent or guardian | ⚠ Not yet verified | Sunday and holiday sale limits |
| Connecticut | 21 | 21 | With parent, guardian or spouse aged 21+ | ⚠ Not yet verified | Package stores: 8am-10pm; Sunday 10am-6pm |
| New York | 21 (sales banned) | 21 (sales banned) | Allowed if given by parent/guardian; course tasting | ⚠ Not yet verified | Liquor stores: Sun 10-10, other days 8 a.m.-midnight |
More rules in Massachusetts
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named unless locking or spring-release · Locking or one-handed knives: Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.