A father comes into a bar with his 18-year-old son and orders 'two beers, one for me, one for him.' May the father lawfully provide the beer to his son in the bar?
Explanation
California has no 'parental exception' in licensed premises. §25658(a) makes it a misdemeanor for any person — parent or otherwise — to furnish alcohol to a person under 21, and §25658(b) makes the under-21 consumer guilty as well. The licensee permitting it (§25658(a)) faces additional liability. Some states allow parental furnishing, but California does not. The server must refuse both drinks and may seat the family in a non-bar section if the venue permits.
Law Reference: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §25658(a)This topic, taught in full in the California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) guide. California RBS — Responsible Beverage Service Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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