Minimum Age of Seller/Server Requirements

This strategy establishes the minimum age necessary for servers and clerks at alcohol establishments to legally serve or sell alcohol.  In North Dakota, the minimum legal age to serve alcohol is 21 except in restaurants where 18-20 year olds may serve and collect money for alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or spirits) if under direct supervision of an individual (manager or supervisor) who is of legal drinking age (N.D.C.C. § 5-02-06, 2013).

What is this strategy?

N.D.C.C. § 5-02-06

Catalog of Prevention Strategies (Minimum Age of Seller)

Policy Summary: Minimum Ages for On-Premises Servers and Bartenders

When should I consider implementing this strategy?
  • If youth reported acquiring alcohol from underage peers working in alcohol establishments 
How do I implement this strategy?
  • Determine how many establishments use youth sellers/servers of alcohol
  • Understand and be able to communicate how peer pressure to sell alcohol can contribute to youth drinking
  • Gain retailer and community support for change
  • Work with establishments and/or city/county policy makers to draft policy/ordinance
Have others implemented this strategy?

Other Communities:

National Alcohol Policy Information System: Minimum Ages for On-Premises Servers and Bartenders

“Parents push to raise minimum age required to serve alcohol in Nebraska” (Article, Omaha World Herald)

“Arizona lawmaker wants to lower alcohol serving age to 18” (Article, Arizona Family Channel 3 News)