When is it NOT legal for someone to be drinking alcohol?

The legal drinking age in the United States, including Maryland, is 21 years old. This law is rooted in federal initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents among young people. As such, individuals who are under 21 years of age are prohibited from consuming alcohol in any public or private setting, with very few exceptions. By choosing the age of 21, the legislation aims to protect younger individuals from the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption, such as impaired judgment, risky behaviors, and the health risks associated with underage drinking.

Regarding the other options, individuals under 18 are also not legally permitted to drink alcohol; however, the emphasis is specifically on the age of 21, as this is the standard legal threshold for alcohol consumption. It is also illegal to drink in a moving vehicle, which relates more to safety regulations than age restrictions, and while drinking alcohol in public places can have its own set of regulations, it does not directly address the age factor most relevant here. The focus on being under 21 captures the essence of the law prohibiting underage drinking.