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Can an Au Pair go to a bar if under 21?

Those under 21 years old cannot consume alcohol or attend bars in the USA; following local laws is essential to ensure a safe and valid experience in the Au Pair program.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on September 11, 2025
2 min read
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Upon arriving in the United States as an Au Pair, it is important to be attentive both to the program rules and to local laws, including those related to alcohol consumption. In the country, the minimum age to drink and to attend establishments that serve alcohol is 21 years old. This means that if you are under 21, you cannot consume alcoholic beverages in bars – places whose primary purpose is to sell these drinks. Some bars may have specific policies regarding the entry of minors, allowing their presence in certain areas provided they are not involved in alcohol consumption; however, this practice can vary greatly from one establishment to another and, in many cases, access may be restricted or discouraged.

It is essential to always follow immigration laws and local regulations during your experience in the United States. If you have questions about the rules or encounter situations that could jeopardize your exchange status, it is recommended to seek guidance from reliable sources or specialized professionals in the area to avoid falling for misleading information or promises of unfounded results. In this way, you will be protecting your experience and your status while participating in the Au Pair program.

Remember: staying well informed and acting in compliance with the law is the best way to make the most of this enriching opportunity in the United States.

Learn more about J-1 Visa

Type
Cultural exchange
Duration
Program duration
2-year rule
Applies in some cases
Processing
2-6 weeks
All about J-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Can an Au Pair go to a bar if under 21?

Those under 21 years old cannot consume alcohol or attend bars in the USA; following local laws is essential to ensure a safe and valid experience in the Au Pair program.

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