What are the consequences of serving alcohol to minors?

Serving alcohol to minors carries serious legal implications and responsibilities. When a server or establishment sells or provides alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age, which is 19 in British Columbia, they expose themselves to potential fines and legal liability. This may include significant monetary fines issued by regulatory bodies and can lead to further legal actions such as civil lawsuits if the situation results in harm.

The consequences extend beyond financial penalties; they can impact an individual's or a business's reputation and operational licenses. Licensing authorities take violations seriously, which could result in suspension or revocation of the establishment's alcohol service license. Overall, the law is designed to protect minors from potential harm that can arise from alcohol consumption, making the consequences of serving to minors quite severe and enforcing accountability for those who disregard these regulations.