Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Practice Exam

If a minor falsely claims they are 21 years old, what is this considered?

1. Identity fraud

2. Misrepresentation of age

3. Underage drinking

4. Illegal impersonation

The correct answer is: Misrepresentation of age

When a minor falsely claims to be 21 years old, this situation is categorized as misrepresentation of age. This terminology specifically pertains to the act of providing false information regarding one's age, particularly in contexts related to alcohol consumption, where age restrictions are strictly enforced. The laws surrounding alcohol sales and consumption are designed to protect minors and ensure that only individuals of legal drinking age can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. By misrepresenting their age, the minor attempts to circumvent these legal restrictions, which directly constitutes an offense under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. While identity fraud and illegal impersonation might involve other types of deception and unlawful activities, they tend to refer to more serious offenses often associated with obtaining personal information or benefits unlawfully. Underage drinking refers specifically to the act of a minor consuming alcohol rather than the claim about age itself. Thus, the correct terminology that encompasses the act of falsely stating one’s age to gain access to age-restricted activities is indeed misrepresentation of age.