Alcohol laws in the US are very strict, can vary in different states, and sometimes even within one state . . There is a common rule for all states: to purchase an alcoholic drink in a store, shopping center, bar or restaurant you can only if you are already 21 years old . You may be asked to provide proof of identity, even if you are older than . Also on the street drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages in clear form , as a rule, is forbidden . If, for example, you are caught with a bottle of beer or just drunk on one of the streets, in a park, public transport in the capital - in Washington DC, you will be punished with a fine of up to $ 100 and imprisonment up to 90 days . Even more severe penalty can be threatened if you are caught in a juvenile's alcoholic drink . Alcoholic beverages are mainly sold only in shops that have a license for trading in alcohol, and after 23:00 the sale of alcohol is prohibited .