Frequently Asked Questions What is the legal age for consumption, possession, and purchase of alcoholic beverages in the District of Columbia?   In the District of Columbia, the legal drinking age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21. To enforce the underage drinking laws and regulations, ABRA conducts random compliance checks, also known as ‘Sale to Minor’ operations. The goal of these operations is to determine whether licensed establishments will sell or serve alcoholic beverages to persons under 21. ABRA investigators perform compliance checks in conjunction with trained minors who clearly appear to be under 21 years of age.    ABRA is assisted in its efforts to combat underage drinking by members of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Office of the Attorney General. Further assistance comes from the National Capital Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking (NCCPUD), which provides the minors involved in Sale to Minor operations. ABRA also receives a yearly grant dedicated to its underage drinking initiative. Some of the sub-grantees include the MPD, NCCPUD, and the Office of the Attorney General. ABRA enforcement utilizes the grant to: Provide training to minors in conducting undercover operations Conduct compliance checks at all ABC establishments in the District Offer education and training to ABRA staff, MPD officers, and licensees on underage laws and regulations and ID checking Return to Questions