Drinking age in Minnesota (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The minimum age for alcohol is 21 under state law, with the family exceptions listed here. 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 by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Giving alcohol to a person under 21 is an offence, but it is a defence for a parent or guardian who gave it solely for consumption in the household. Possession by a person under 21 is unlawful if intended for consumption anywhere other than the household of the person's parent or guardian. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | On-sale (bars, restaurants): no intoxicating liquor sales between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday, or after 2:00 a.m. on Sundays; Sunday sales need a Sunday licence (restaurants, clubs, bowling centres and hotels seating 30 or more, with food, from 8:00 a.m. Sunday). Off-sale (liquor stores): no sales on Sundays except 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, or after 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 3.2 percent malt liquor may not be sold 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. on Sundays). Cities may set stricter hours. [2] |
Sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minn. Stat. 340A.503 Consumption; sales; underage persons (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota: Minn. Stat. 340A.504 SALES; HOURS OF SALE (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)) |
|---|
Minnesota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 21 | 21 | Parent's household only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Off-sale: Sun 11-6, other days 8am-10pm |
| Iowa | 21 | 21 | Home with parent consent; medical; work | No drinking on streets or in public places | No sales 2-6 a.m.; none to under 21 or drunk |
| Michigan | 21 | 21 | Religious services; required college course | Not on highways; parks OK unless banned locally | No sales 2-7 a.m.; Sunday limits possible |
| North Dakota | 21 | 21 | On premises with parent/guardian, with limits | Open container ban in vehicles on highways | No sales 2-8 a.m.; Christmas rules |
| South Dakota | 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) | 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) | With parent, guardian or spouse; religious use | No spirits in public places | No sales 2-7am; locals may bar Sundays |
| Wisconsin | 21 | 21 | Parent/guardian/spouse (21+) may accompany; religious | Open containers banned in vehicles on highways | Off-premises 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; bars close 2 a.m.-6 a.m. |
More rules in Minnesota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 8 plants, max 4 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers etc.)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary folding knives not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Automatic switch blade knives banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.41 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and all passengers
- 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: Any alcohol, under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.