Montgomery County ranks among top counties in Pa. for underage drinking offenses

Pennsylvania recorded 30,393 underage drinking offenses between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Of those cases, 1,266 were filed in Montgomery County, placing it fifth highest in the state during that five-year span.

Montgomery County accounted for 4.17% of all underage drinking charges statewide.

An underage drinking offense applies to anyone under 21 who is caught possessing, consuming, transporting, purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol. The totals do not include DUI-related charges. Statewide, more than $2 million in fines were collected from underage drinking convictions over the five years.

Underage drinking charges filed locally:

• 2020: 295
• 2021: 235
• 2022: 244
• 2023: 245
• 2024: 247
• Total (2020–2024): 1,266

After a spike in 2020, filings declined in 2021 and have remained relatively steady since.

The counties with the highest totals from 2020–2024 were:

• Centre County — 3,286 (10.81%)
• Chester County — 2,557 (8.41%)
• Allegheny County — 2,380 (7.83%)
• Philadelphia County — 1,277 (4.2%)
• Montgomery County — 1,266 (4.17%)

Neighboring counties also ranked in the top 10, including Chester and Delaware counties, meaning southeastern Pennsylvania represented a significant share of statewide enforcement activity.

While Montgomery County does not lead the state in underage drinking charges, its placement in the top five highlights the continued focus on alcohol enforcement involving minors across the region.