Learn about the New York alcohol laws and the regulations for selling and serving alcoholic beverages in the state. Alcohol laws of New York are a set of laws specific to manufacturing, purchasing, serving, selling, and consuming alcohol in the state of New York.US law prohibits purchasing alcohol if you are under 21. In most states, you must be at least 21 to serve alcohol, but some states allow you to serve alcohol in a restaurant if you're 18 or over. The legal age there is currently 21. In 1984, the U.S. passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, establishing 21 as the nation's minimum legal drinking age. "The Puritan ethic has really shaped the way alcohol is regulated in the U.S.," Martinic said. In the United States, general alcohol laws prevent individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing or consuming alcohol. Most laws apply only to consuming alcohol in public places and not drinking in private residences. No state has an exception that permits anyone other than a family member to provide alcohol to a minor on private property.