State Law In
Virginia
What does state law say?
No person may purchase, assist, provide, or give a minor alcoholic beverages.
What happens if an adult breaks the law?
Class 1 Misdemeanor.
Can adult do anything to rescind the violation?
Not addressed.
Can the adult be sued?
The court has stated that a third party does not have a cause of action against a vendor of alcoholic beverages. The court further stated that drinking the intoxicant, not furnishing it, is the proximate cause of the injury. The Court believes a decision whether to abrogate such a fundamental rule, for both commercial vendors and social hosts, is the function of the legislative, not judicial, branch of government. Williamson v. The Old Brogue, Inc. (350 SE 2d 621 – Va: Supreme Court 1986).