While they won't induce intoxication, some experts are warning that low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages should be off-limits to minors. They are advocating for legislation to prevent underage sales of these drinks, which are growing in popularity, especially among younger adults seeking to reduce their alcohol intake. To qualify as nonalcoholic, a beverage must contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.

The rise of the "sober-curious" movement has led to an increase in canned and bottled drinks that closely resemble their alcoholic counterparts. For instance, Budweiser Zero mimics the original Budweiser, and Corona offers a nonalcoholic version in its iconic long-neck bottles. Dr. Molly Bowdring from the Stanford Prevention Research Center explains, "These drinks allow people to blend into social settings without consuming alcohol." However, she and others are concerned that such products might serve as a gateway into the drinking culture and potentially nurture unhealthy habits.

The issue gained public attention when actress Kristen Bell revealed that she allows her young daughters to drink their father's nonalcoholic beer at home. Bowdring points out that, "Although these drinks won't lead to intoxication, they share many cues with alcoholic beverages, such as flavor, appearance, and the act of sipping, which can normalize alcohol consumption."

Emerging research from Japan, Taiwan, and Australia suggests that nonalcoholic beverages might precondition young people to eventually switch to alcoholic drinks. Studies in Japan indicated that a significant percentage of school students were consuming nonalcoholic drinks and showed a higher interest in alcohol. Similar patterns were observed in Taiwan and Australia, where teens who had tried zero-alcohol drinks were more likely to have also consumed alcohol.

Dr. Leon Booth from the George Institute for Global Health in Australia notes that teens are drawn to these beverages for various reasons, including curiosity and social conformity. "They are essentially practicing drinking by choosing a zero-alcohol version of an alcoholic product," he says, adding that some teens have become accustomed to the taste of beer through nonalcoholic versions.

The Distilled Spirits Council, representing alcoholic beverage manufacturers, agrees that nonalcoholic beverages designed to resemble alcoholic ones should not be consumed by minors. Lisa Hawkins, a spokesperson for the council, states that many producers have pledged to voluntarily include age restrictions on alcohol-free product lines. However, the council has not taken a stance on mandatory state regulations.

Bowdring's research reveals a startling lack of regulation regarding the sale of nonalcoholic beverages in the U.S., with only twelve states imposing some form of restriction. She explains that most of these regulations were unintentional, as the definition of alcohol was broadly interpreted to include nonalcoholic drinks. Georgia and Idaho, for example, do not sell nonalcoholic drinks to minors based on the method of production, not the alcohol content. Florida and Kansas have a stricter definition, considering any drink with a trace of alcohol as alcoholic.

Bowdring argues that nonalcoholic beverages, while beneficial for adults trying to reduce their alcohol intake, pose potential risks for minors without any corresponding benefits. This, she believes, necessitates state intervention to regulate their sale.