Unlawful possession, consumption, acquisition or purchase of liquor by a minor.
Seattle Mun. Code § 12A.24.100
in effect12A.24.100 - Unlawful possession, consumption, acquisition or purchase of liquor by a minor.
A. It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years to possess, consume or otherwise acquire liquor.
B. Subsection A of this section shall not apply to:
1. Liquor given or permitted to be given to a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years by a parent or guardian and consumed in the presence of the parent or guardian;
2. Liquor given for medicinal purposes to a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years by a parent, guardian, physician or dentist;
3. Liquor given to a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years when such liquor is being used in connection with religious services and the amount consumed is the minimal amount necessary for the religious service.
C. It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years to purchase or attempt to purchase liquor. A person between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty (20) years, inclusive, who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days or by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or by both such imprisonment and fine; provided, however, that a minimum fine of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) shall be imposed and any sentence requiring community service shall require not fewer than twenty-five (25) hours of such service.
D. A person under the age of twenty-one (21) years acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning shall not be charged or prosecuted under subsection A of this section, if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance. A person under the age of twenty-one (21) years who experiences alcohol poisoning and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted under subsection A of this section, if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the poisoning and need for medical assistance. The protection in this subsection shall not be grounds for suppression of evidence in other criminal charges.
(Ord. 124301, § 35, 2013; Ord. 116897, § 2, 1993; Ord. 103993, § 3(part), 1974; Ord. 102843, § 12A.40.160, 1973.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT12ACRCO_SUBTITLE_ICRCO_CH12A.24LIOF_12A.24.100UNPOCOACPULIMIFetched: 11/1/2026