Missouri Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
While private retail stores sell spirits, beer and wine are available for purchase in grocery and convenience stores. The days on which alcohol may be sold is prevailed by local ordinances.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
Anyone age 21 or above is legal to drink or work as a bartender in Missouri. At age 18, it is illegal to work in a restaurant that serves alcohol, but anyone 18 or older may handle alcoholic products in retail stores where no more than 50 percent of the business’ sales are from alcohol.

A supervisor age 21 or older must always be present.

Open Container Laws
As there are no strong open contained laws in place in Missouri, it is legal for passengers to drink in a vehicle as long as the driver is not impaired.

BAC Limits
If a driver is tested with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) over .08 percent, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be charged with DUI (driving under the influence) with this evidence alone.

If a driver under the legal drinking age of 21 chemically tests positive for a BAC level more than .02 percent, DUI charges will be filed.

If a driver has an enhanced BAC level of more than .15 percent over the legal limit of .08 percent, they may face harsher penalties.

Penalties
Drivers suspected of driving under the influence are governed by ‘implied consent laws,’ which require them to test their breath, blood, or urine for alcohol content. If the driver refuses, enhanced penalties, which can include mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year, may take place.

The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can remove a driver’s license temporarily or permanently for those convicted of DUI. The mandatory license suspension is 30 days for the first offense and one year for the second and third.

The penalty of a driver’s vehicle being confiscated for DUI conviction (either temporarily or permanently) is possible under limited circumstances. The same goes for the installation of an ignition interlock device if it is ordered by the court. Treatment for alcohol abuse or alcohol education may also be required.

After a third conviction, DUI is considered a felony.