‘Some’ Not ‘All,’ Can Drink Alcohol Under 21 in Wisconsin. What Gives?

The liquor laws with our neighbors to the north, they are a little different. Here in Illinois, 21 means 21...In Wisconsin, 21 means something a little different. Local21News

It's not TOTALLY illegal for someone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in Wisconsin. Now this isn't a bunch of high school guys grabbing a 12-pack at the liquor store...That is still illegal. So let's try to figure this out:

"Persons under age 21 may possess and consume alcohol beverages if they are with their parents, guardians or spouses of legal drinking age; but this is at the discretion of the licensee." - Sgt. Andrew Hyer, Wisconsin State Patrol

OK, so if mom and dad are around...bottoms up, right? Seems like a decent idea I guess, mom and dad say it's ok...It's ok. But there's more:

"Over the holidays right now, maybe you're going to have a glass of wine with your parents over Christmas dinner. That's perfectly legal. But you've got to stay accompanied with your parents during that time period, until basically you've sobered up,” - Sgt. Andrew Hyer, Wisconsin State Patrol

Until "basically you're sobered up" is an interesting line. Get your drink on with mom and dad, but stay around them until you're done sayin'..."Do you know what I like about you..."

What about out as a bar with mom and dad? Can you drink then? The answer is YES...If you are between the ages of 18-20 AND the person serving you is 100% comfortable with everything:

"Maybe they're not quite sure what the relationship is between that adult and the child, and they want to make sure they're complying with the law. So, it's always their choice.” - Sgt. Hyer.