Legal drinking age: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
m Reverted edit by 71.81.156.25 (talk) to last version by Canterbury Tail
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Minimum age at which a person can legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages}}
{{Refimprove|date=July 2007}}The '''legal drinking age''' is a limit assigned by governments to restrict the access of [[children]] and [[youth]] to [[alcoholic beverages]]. In most countries the legal age to purchase alcohol is at least 18, but there are notable exceptions. Laws on consumption of alcoholic beverages vary even more widely. In some countries all alcoholic beverages are illegal, often due to religious law.
{{Multiple issues|{{More citations needed|date=July 2021}}
{{expand_list}}
{{Update|date=July 2023}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
[[File:Drinking Age - Global.svg|thumb|'''Minimum legal age to purchase alcohol by country:'''<br />{{legend|#4a4a49|Prohibited}}{{legend|#27a9cd|25 or older}}{{Legend striped|#27a9cd|#fc8d62|25 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 21)}}{{legend|#fc8d62|21}}{{Legend striped|#fc8d62|#66c2a5|21 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)}}{{legend|#c962fc|20}}{{Legend striped|#c962fc|#66c2a5|20 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)}}{{legend|#8da0cb|19}}{{legend|#66c2a5|18}}{{Legend striped|#66c2a5|#a6d854|18 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 16)}}{{legend|#e78ac3|17}}{{legend|#a6d854|16}}{{legend|#FFF37A|15 or younger}}{{legend|#c0c0c0ff|No regulation/no age set}}|alt=]]
The '''legal drinking age''' is the minimum age at which a person can [[legally]] consume [[alcoholic beverage]]s. The minimum age alcohol can be legally consumed can be different from the age when it can be purchased in some countries. These laws vary between countries and many laws have exemptions or special circumstances. Most laws apply only to [[Drinking in public|drinking alcohol in public places]] with alcohol consumption in the home being mostly unregulated (one of the exceptions being England and Wales, which have a minimum legal age of five for supervised consumption in private places). Some countries also have different age limits for different [[List of alcoholic drinks|types of alcohol drinks]].<ref name="IARD" />
{{Youth rights sidebar}}


The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/drinking-ages-around-the-world.html |title= Drinking Ages Around The World |last= Misachi |first= John |date= 21 December 2020 |website= Worldatlas.com |access-date= 7 July 2021}}</ref> The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is the [[Long-term impact of alcohol on the brain|effect on the brain]] in adolescents. Since the brain is still maturing, alcohol can have a [[Effects of alcohol on memory|negative effect on the memory]] and long-term thinking. Alongside that, it can cause [[Alcoholic liver disease|liver failure]], and create a [[Long-term effects of alcohol consumption#Hormonal imbalance|hormone imbalance]] in teens due to the constant changes and maturing of hormones during [[puberty]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm |title=Underage Drinking |publisher=National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism |date=January 2006 |access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in [[secondary school|high schools]],<ref>[https://ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/CCSA-Impact-Effectiveness-MLDA-Legislation-2017-en.pdf The Impact and Effectiveness of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Legislation in Canada] ccsa.ca</ref> while others like the [[United States]] have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 (18 in [[Puerto Rico|P.R.]] and [[USVI]]) in an effort to reduce the amount of [[Drunk driving in the United States|drunk driving]] rates among [[Adolescence|teenagers]] and [[young adult]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/minimum-legal-drinking-age.htm#:~:text=A%20Minimum%20Legal%20Drinking%20Age,United%20States%20is%2021%20years | title=Minimum legal drinking age of 21 saves lives &#124; CDC | date=19 April 2022 }}</ref>
=== Africa ===

{| class="wikitable"
There is a concept called [[underage club]]s, where individuals below the legal drinking age are catered for and are served non alcoholic beverages.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Are teen clubs safe for kids? |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2004/03/04/are-teen-clubs-safe-for-kids/62000320007/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1962-09-07 |title=Youth: Teen-Age Nightclubs |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,870130,00.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>
! rowspan=2 | Country / Region

! colspan=2 | [[De jure]]
==Africa==
! rowspan=2 | Notes
The most common minimum age to purchase alcohol in Africa is 18. However, Angola (except Luanda Province), Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali have no laws on the books restricting the sale of alcohol to minors. In Libya, Somalia and Sudan the sale, production and consumption of alcohol is completely prohibited.{{synthesis inline|date=October 2018}}
|-
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Drinking Age
! Purchase Age
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
| [[Algeria]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Algeria}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=Drinking age in Algeria|url=https://drinkingagein.com/algeria|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Drinking Age in Countries Around the World|language=en}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" | 18<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Minimum Legal Age Limits |url=https://www.iard.org/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=International Alliance for Responsible Drinking |language=en}}</ref>
|Order No. 26-75 (1975), Article 14
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flag|Angola}}
|
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" colspan="2" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanchildforum.org/clr/Harmonisation%20of%20Laws%20in%20Africa/other-documents-harmonisation_8_en.pdf|title=PROTECTION FROM DRUG ABUSE/ MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL LAWS|publisher=The African Child Policy Forum|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| There is no national legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.
|-
|[[Luanda Province]]
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2" | 18<ref name="Decreto Executivo nº 87/08 de 10 julho">{{cite web|url=http://www.luanda.gov.ao/verlegislacao.aspx?id=434|title=Sobre o acesso de menores a espectáculos nocturnos, e o consumo e a comercialização de bebidas alcoólicas por menores|publisher=Governo Provincial de Luanda|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209114749/http://www.luanda.gov.ao/verlegislacao.aspx?id=434|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Legislation in [[Luanda Province]]: It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. It is also prohibited for minors to buy and consume alcohol.<ref name="Decreto Executivo nº 87/08 de 10 julho"/>
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Benin}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20
|Republic of Benin Report to UN Committee on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/BEN/2 (2005):


* Article 8 of the decree of 10 June 1942 regulating the production, import, advertisement, sale, and consumption of alcohol beverages in French West Africa, prohibits the sale or free supply of alcohol beverages to minors under 20.
* Article 13 stipulates fines ranging from CFAF 200,000 to CFAF 1 million for such offences, doubled in the case of repeat offences.
* There are no official measures prohibiting children from consuming alcohol, tobacco or other substances harmful to their health.
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Botswana}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008">{{cite web|url=https://www.a-mla.org/images/acts/LIQOUR%20ACT,%202004.pdf.pdf|title=Liquor Act 2008 – Section 32|publisher=Government of Botswana|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313032128/https://www.a-mla.org/images/acts/LIQOUR%20ACT,%202004.pdf.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> <small>(prohibited for any person to supply)</small><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008" />
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years. Since the law only applies to licenses, it is not prohibited for minors to buy, consume, or possess alcohol beverages.<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008" /> It is also prohibited for any person to expose or supply alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years.<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL" />
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Burundi}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Code Penal Burundi">{{cite web|url=https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/applic/ihl/ihl-nat.nsf/0/cb9d300d8db9fc37c125707300338af2/$FILE/Code%20P%C3%A9nal%20du%20Burundi%20.pdf|title=Code Pénal du Burundi – Article 501 et 502|publisher=MINISTRE DE LA JUSTICE ET GARDE|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18 <small>(unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian)</small><ref name="Code Penal Burundi" />
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Cameroon}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 21<br />18 <small>(if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older)</small><ref name="Cameroon Penal Code">{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/fr/text.jsp?file_id=425156|title=Law No. 2016/007 of July 12, 2016, relating to the Penal Code – Section 348|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. The law permits adults from the ages 18 to 21 to consume, purchase and buy alcohol beverages if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older. Anyone over the age of 21 years may buy or consume alcohol unaccompanied.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cape Verde}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Cap Verde Liquor Law">{{cite web|url=https://www.minsaude.gov.cv/index.php/documentosite/342-1-plano-alcool-b-o-i-serie-n-29-de-18-de-abril-de-2016/file|title=Lei n.° 27/V/97|publisher=Imprensa Nacional de Cabo Verde|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Cap Verde Liquor Law"/>
| It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Central African Republic}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 15 <small>(off-premises)</small>, or 21 <small>(on-premises)</small><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Central African Republic |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/caf.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
|It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 15 years when sold or supplied off-premises (e.g., liquor stores, wine stores, and supermarkets). It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 21 years when sold or supplied on-premises (e.g., restaurants, bars, and cafes).<ref name=":1" />
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Chad}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Law 2017-01 Penal Code Chapter 6 Articles 376–378 establish penalties for licensees who permit entry to youth below age 16 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, sell or offer alcohol beverages to youth below age 18 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, or serve a person below age 18 to intoxication.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Comoros}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Comoros |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/com.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
|It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.<ref name=":2" />
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Djibouti}}
| [[Cameroon]]
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| colspan=2 align="center" |None
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Egypt]]
| colspan=2| {{flag|Egypt}}
| align=center| 21<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| colspan=2 align="center" |21
|Law No. 371 of 1956 concerning public shops and the resolutions implementing it
| align=center| 18, 21<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| For purchases, legal age is 18 for beer, 21 for everything else.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
| [[Eritrea]]
| colspan=2 align="center" | 21<ref>{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Equatorial Guinea |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/gnq.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eritrea}}
| [[Ethiopia]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Penal Code Eritrea">{{cite web|url=https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/penal-code_html/PENAL_CODE_ERITREA.pdf|title=Penal Code of Eritrea – Article 267|publisher=United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092456/https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/penal-code_html/PENAL_CODE_ERITREA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Penal Code Eritrea"/>
|
| It is prohibited for any person to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| [[Ghana]]
| colspan=2 align=center| No minimum age<sup>[[#General references|[B]]]</sup>
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|Liquor Licenses Act (1964) Section 27
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ethiopia}}
| [[Kenya]]
| align="center" |21<ref name="Penal of Ethiopia">{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/et/et011en.pdf|title=Criminal Code, 2004 – Article 531 & 818|publisher=WIPO|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align="center" |21<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethiopia: Plans To Strengthen Alcohol Control |url=https://movendi.ngo/news/2019/02/06/ethiopia-improves-alcohol-control/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Movendi International |language=en-US}}</ref>
|
| It is prohibited for any person to sell, offer, serve or allow to serve alcohol beverages "in substantial quantities" to any infant or young person. The criminal code defines a young person as any person under the age of 18 years. But the Criminal Code Proclamation 414 (2004) states: "Whoever endangers the health of another, intentionally and unscrupulously, by administering or serving, or by causing or permitting to be administered or served, to minors (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years) (...) alcohol beverages or spirituous liquors of such kind or in such quantity as to make their injurious effect certain or probable, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, and fine."
The Revised Family Code Proclamation No. 213 (2000) Article 215 defines a minor as anyone who has not attained the full age of 18.

In 2019, the Ethiopian parliament passed a bill that bans a specific category of alcohol advertising in the media and also increases the age limit for purchasing alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gabon}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Penal Code (1963), Article 209bis-1
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gambia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: State Party Report: Gambia">{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=search&docid=3df5a6d17&skip=0&query=liquor&coi=GMB|title=Drug Control Decree and Decree No. 80 of 1996|publisher=UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| align="center" | 16<ref name="UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: State Party Report: Gambia"/><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| Under the Liquor License Act (1957) it is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to "anyone under the apparent age of 16".
A "young person" is defined as anyone under the age of 17 by the Children and Young Persons Act, 1949 Section 2.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ghana}}
| [[Malawi]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[B]]]</sup>
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ghana LIQUOR LICENSING ACT – 1970">{{cite web|url=http://laws.ghanalegal.com/acts/id/87/section/15/Young_Persons_To_Be_Excluded|title=LIQUOR LICENSING ACT – 1970 (ACT 331) – Section 15 – Young Persons to be Excluded.|publisher=Ghana Legal|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
| [[Mauritius]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|
|
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Kenya}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT KENYA">{{cite web|url=http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/Alcoholic_Drinks_Control_Act__No4of2010.pdf|title=ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT – SECTION 28|publisher=National Council for Law Reporting|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" | 18<ref name="ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT KENYA"/>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Lesotho}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="LIQUOR LICENSING ACT 1998 LESOTHO">{{cite web|url=https://www.lesothotradeportal.org.ls/index.php?r=site/display&id=57#39|title=LIQUOR LICENSING ACT 1998 – Section 39|publisher=Ministry of Tourism Environment and Culture|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a minor under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for minors to consume, buy or attempt to buy alcohol.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Liberia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years; "this section shall not apply to a parent or guardian who serves an alcoholic beverage to his child or ward" Penal Law of 1976 Sec 16.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Libya}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | Prohibited for all ages<ref name="Penal Code Libya">{{cite news|url=http://security-legislation.ly/node/33464|title=Penal Code – Article (21) of Law No. (89) of 1974 prohibiting alcohol and establish the hudud punishment for drinking|newspaper=Libya - Dcaf Legal Databases |publisher=Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| Previously Article 498 of the Libyan Penal Code prohibited the sale of alcohol beverages to juveniles under the age of 16 years.<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Malawi}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Malawi Liquor Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanchildinfo.net/clr/Legislation%20Per%20Country/Malawi/malawi_liquor_1979_en.pdf|title=Liquor Act -Section 74|publisher=The African Child Information Hub|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{Flag|Mauritania}}
| [[Namibia]]
| colspan="2" align="center" | Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minimum Legal Drinking Age in Other Countries - Drinking Age - ProCon.org|url=https://drinkingage.procon.org/minimum-legal-drinking-age-in-other-countries/|access-date=2 January 2021|website=Drinking Age|language=en-US}}</ref>
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Mauritius}}
| [[Niger]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Mauritius Child Protection Act, 1995">{{cite web|url=http://dpp.govmu.org/English/Documents/Legislation/CHILD%20PROTECTION.pdf|title=Child Protection Act, 1995 Section 16|publisher=Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve, or supply alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Morocco}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | Restricted to non-Muslims<br />16 for non-Muslims<br />Prohibited for Muslims
|Legislative Decision No. 3.177.66 of 1967 Art 28–29
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mozambique}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="Sanções duras para infractores do novo regulamento">{{cite web |url=http://jornaldomingo.co.mz/index.php/sociedade/2053-sancoes-duras-para-infractores-do-novo-regulamento |title=Sanções duras para infractores do novo regulamento|publisher=Domingo|access-date=12 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313155745/http://jornaldomingo.co.mz/index.php/sociedade/2053-sancoes-duras-para-infractores-do-novo-regulamento|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Decree 54/2013 Regulations on the Control of the Production, Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2013), Article 5 (Prohibitions)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Namibia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Namibia Liquor Act 6 of 1998">{{cite web|url=http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoREG/Liquor%20Act%206%20of%201998%20-%20Regulations%202001-142%20(annotated).pdf|title=Liquor Act 6 of 1998|publisher=Legal Assistance Centre|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031902/http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoREG/Liquor%20Act%206%20of%201998%20-%20Regulations%202001-142%20(annotated).pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Niger}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18
|Penal Code Article 302
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None (at national level)<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| style="text-align:center;" | None (all other states)<br />18 in Abuja<br />Prohibited in Borno
|For Abuja: Municipal Area Council Bye-Law 2001 Sec 15
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="LOI N° 4-2010 DU 14 JUIN 2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/wcaro/wcaro_CONG_childprotection_framework_2010.pdf|title=LOI N° 4-2010 DU 14 JUIN 2010 Article 123|publisher=UNICEF|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912163001/http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/wcaro_CONG_childprotection_framework_2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Rwanda}}
|[[Nigeria]]
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| colspan=2 align="center" |18
|Organic Law implementing the Penal Code N°01/2012/OL Articles 217 and 219
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Senegal}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="N° 3097/MINT/DAGAT/DEL/DB">{{cite web|title=N° 3097/MINT/DAGAT/DEL/DB |publisher=REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL MINISTRE DE L'INTERIEUR |url=http://www.servicepublic.gouv.sn/assets/textes/debits_de_boisson.pdf|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218232139/http://www.servicepublic.gouv.sn/assets/textes/debits_de_boisson.pdf |archive-date=18 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Seychelles}}
|[[South Africa]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| Chapter 113 Licenses Act (2010)

* Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Manufacturing) Regulation (1987), Article 8(5)(page 20):
** In the case of manufacturing and processing of liquor, tobacco and tobacco products, the license holder shall (i) not deliver or sell liquor to, or allow any consumption of liquor by, any person under the age of 18 years or deliver or sell tobacco or tobacco products or allow it to be used on the premises by such a person;
* Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Liquor and Outdoor Entertainment) Regulations (1998), Article 14 (page 28):
** (1) The holder of a license, his servant or agent shall not (a) employ or allow a person under the age of 18 years, ... (b) sell or deliver liquor, cigarettes or tobacco products to, or allow liquor to be consumed or cigarettes or any tobacco products to be used by any person under the age of 18 years on the premises; ... (i) admit any person under the age of 18 years to a premises licensed as a public bar, toddy bar or at the premises licensed to manufacture and sell baka or lapire;...
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Somalia}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| Prohibited for all ages<ref name="Acsom">{{cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Somalia |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/som.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=29 November 2014}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Africa}}
|[[Uganda]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| The parent, adult guardian of a minor or a person responsible for administering a religious sacrament, may on occasion supply to that minor a moderate quantity of liquor to be consumed by the minor in the presence and under the supervision of that parent, guardian or other person.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Department of Trade & Industry |journal=Government Gazette |volume=446 |issue=26294 |date=26 April 2004 |url=http://www.thedti.gov.za/business_regulation/docs/nla/act2003.pdf |title=The National Liquor Act, 59 of 2003 |access-date=8 January 2013 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106232633/http://www.thedti.gov.za/business_regulation/docs/nla/act2003.pdf%20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Sudan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Sudan}}
| [[Zambia]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| Restricted to non-Muslims<br />Muslims: Prohibited for all ages<br />Non-Muslims: Unknown<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1029.html|title=Sudan: Country Specific Information|publisher=[[U.S. Department of State]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111012511/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1029.html|archive-date=11 January 2014}}</ref>
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|Penal Code 1991, Art 78–79
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tanzania}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Tanzania Law of the Child Act 2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcdgc.go.tz/data/Law_of_the_Child_Act_2009.pdf|title=Law of the Child Act 2009 – Section 17|publisher=Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213055536/http://www.mcdgc.go.tz/data/Law_of_the_Child_Act_2009.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Togo}}
| [[Zimbabwe]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| align=center| 18<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align=center| No minimum<sup>[[#General references|[A]]]</sup>
| align="center" | 20<ref name="auto1"/><br />18 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup>
|Ordinance No. 34 of 1967 Code of alcohol beverage outlets and anti-alcoholism measures Art 29
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tunisia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;" |18
|Law 2004-75 Article 4 prohibits entry to night clubs to those under 18 with an exception for accompanied persons between 16 and 18 in certain venues, sale of alcohol beverages to whom is prohibited.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uganda}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Liquor Act 1960, Uganda">{{cite web|url=https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/consolidated-act/93|title=Liquor Act 1960 – Section 19|publisher=Uganda Legal Information Institute|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142941/https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/consolidated-act/93|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<br />16 <sup>(wine, beer, porter, cider, perry or native liquor with meal)</sup><ref name="Liquor Act 1960, Uganda"/>
| It is prohibited for any licensee to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The law provides an exception for anyone who is 16 or 17 years of age, and consumes a fermented alcohol drink with a meal, in a part of a licensed premises that serves meals and is not a bar.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Western Sahara}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" colspan="2" align="center"| None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zambia}}
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| 18<ref name="Liquor Licensing Act 2011, Zambia">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Liqour%20Licensing%20Act%2C%202011.pdf|title=THE LIQUOR LICENSING ACT, 2011 – Section 36|publisher=Government of Zambia|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><br />16 <sup>(traditional beer)</sup><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Traditional%20Beer%20Act.pdf |title=THE TRADITIONAL BEER ACT |pages=10, 12}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license, to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. Before the Liquor Licensing Act was enacted in 2011, the minimum age to sell, serve and supply alcohol beverages was 14 years.<ref>The Liquor Act, 1959 – Section 46</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="CHILDREN'S ACT ZIMBABWE">{{cite web|url=https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/76958/88827/F-860336063/ZWE76958.pdf|title=CHILDREN'S ACT – Section 78|publisher=International Labour Organisation|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18 <small>(except with parent or guardian consent)</small>
| Liquor Act Article 116 Prohibited conduct by persons in general (1) No person shall— ... (l) being a person to whom in terms of this Act the sale of liquor is prohibited, purchase or attempt to purchase liquor in contravention of such provision; .... (o) sell, lend, give, supply or deliver, or offer so to do, any liquor to any person under the age of eighteen years except with the consent of the parent or guardian of that person.

Children's Act Section 78 – It is prohibited for any person to sell, lend, give, supply, deliver or offer alcohol beverages to any child under the age of 16 years, except upon production of a written order signed by the parent or guardian of the child known to such person. The police has the duty to seize any alcohol beverage in the possession of a child under the age of 16 years without a written consent of the parents or legal guardian.<ref name="CHILDREN'S ACT ZIMBABWE" />
|}
|}


=== The Americas ===
==Americas==
In Central America, the Caribbean, and South America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 0 to 20 years (see table below). In South America in particular, the legal purchase age is 18 years, with two exceptions:
{| class="wikitable"
* In Paraguay, the legal drinking age and purchase age is 20 years.
! rowspan=2 | Country / region
* In Guyana, minors aged 16 or 17 may consume a glass of beer or wine in a restaurant provided they buy a meal.
! colspan=2 | [[De jure]]

! rowspan=2 | Notes
In North America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 18 to 21 years:
|-
* In Mexico, the drinking age is 18 in all states.
! Drinking Age
* In the United States, the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages is 21 years of age; the two exceptions are Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where the age is 18. The legal drinking age varies by state, and many states have no age requirements for supervised drinking with one's parents or legal guardians.
! Purchase Age
* In Canada, most provinces have a minimum age of 19 years to buy or consume alcohol, while in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the minimum age is 18 years.
|-

| [[Antigua]]
In the late 20th century, much of North America changed its minimum legal drinking ages (MLDAs) as follows: {{Blockquote|text=In the 1970s, provincial and state policy makers in Canada and the United States moved to lower MLDAs (which were set at 21 years in most provinces/territories and states) to coincide with the jurisdictional [[age of majority]] — typically 18 years of age.... As a result, MLDAs were reduced in all Canadian provinces [and] in [[U.S. history of alcohol minimum purchase age by state|more than half of US states]]. In Canada, however, two provinces, Ontario [in 1979] and Saskatchewan [in 1976], quickly raised their subsequent MLDAs from 18 to 19 years in response to a few studies demonstrating an association between the lowered drinking age and increases in alcohol-related harms to youth and young adults, including increases in [[motor vehicle accidents]] (MVAs) and [[alcohol intoxication]] among high school students. Following MLDA reductions in the US, research in several states provided persuasive evidence of sharp increases in rates of fatal and nonfatal MVAs appearing immediately after the implementation of lower drinking ages. These scientific findings galvanized public pressure on lawmakers to raise MLDAs and, in response, the federal government introduced the [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] of 1984, which imposed a reduction of highway funds for states if they did not increase their MLDA to 21 years. All states complied and implemented an MLDA of 21 years by 1988.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Impacts of drinking-age laws on mortality in Canada, 1980–2009 |vauthors=Callaghan RC, Sanches M, Gatley JM, Stockwell T|journal=Drug and Alcohol Dependence|year=2014|volume=138|pages=137–145|doi=10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.019 |pmid=24631002|doi-access=free|hdl=20.500.11937/41631|hdl-access=free}}</ref>}}
| colspan=2 align=center|16

|
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
| [[Argentina]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
|
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
| [[Bahamas]]
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
|
|-
| [[Barbados]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| Those aged 10-17 are allowed to consume alcohol provided they are with a parent.
|-
|-
| colspan=2|''{{flag|Anguilla}}''
| [[Belize]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="L075-00-Liquor Licences Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.ai/laws/L075-00-Liquor%20Licences%20Act/|title=L075-00-Liquor Licences Act – 27. |publisher=Government of Anguilla|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| align="center" |18<ref name="L075-00-Liquor Licences Act"/>
|
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violating the regulation is punished with a $9,600 fine.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}
| [[Bermuda]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16 <small>(on premises)</small> None <small>(off premises)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-249.pdf |publisher=laws.gov.ag |title=THE LICENSING (INTOXICATING LIQUOR) ACT – CHAPTER 249 – PART V – 24. |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005432/http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-249.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|
| The sale and distribution of alcohol to a person under 16 years of age, and purchase by persons under 16 years of age, for consumption in licensed premises are prohibited. ID is rarely requested.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Argentina}}
| [[Bolivia]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/40000-44999/42480/norma.htm|title=Ley Nacional De Lucha Contra El Alcoholismo|date=31 March 1997|language=es|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bahamas}}
| [[Brazil]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref>{{cite web |url=http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2007/2007-0001/ChildProtectionAct_1.pdf |publisher=Government of the Bahamas |title=CHILD PROTECTION ACT – PART VI – CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN SUPERVISION ORDERS – 62. (4) |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| It is prohibited for any adult to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a child (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years). The law provides an exception to treat an illness in urgent cases or upon order by a medical doctor.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Barbados}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/raise-drinking-age |publisher=BARBADOS ADVOCATE |title=RAISE DRINKING AGE |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to anyone under the age of 18 years. Previously 16, the President of the Barbados Road Safety Association pushed to raise the drinking age to 18 years because the law was often violated.<ref>Henry, Anesta. "Lawmakers Raise Drinking Age to 18." ''Barbados Today''. 12 May 2021. [https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/05/12/lawmakers-raise-drinking-age-to-18 Link to article]</ref><ref>Barbados Happy Hours: Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking in Barbados. [https://barbadoshappyhours.com/frequently-asked-questions Link to article]</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Belize}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Liquor Licences Act BVI">{{cite web |url=http://www.ird.gov.vg/Portals/0/Liquor%20Licences%20Act%20%28Cap.%20106%29.pdf |publisher=ird.gov.vg |title=Liquor Licences Act (Cap. 106) – PART IV – 34: Sale of intoxicating liquor to children. |access-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005633/http://www.ird.gov.vg/Portals/0/Liquor%20Licences%20Act%20%28Cap.%20106%29.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2015 }}</ref>
|Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Bermuda}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Liquor Licences Act Bermuda">{{cite web |url=http://www.cada.bm/images/articles/Bermuda_Liquor_Licence_Act_1974_-_with_2010_amendments_incorporated.pdf |publisher=cada.bm |title=LIQUOR LICENCE ACT 1974 – Procuring drink for drunken person or minor 42. |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bolivia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
Law 259 Against the Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2012) Article 20
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Brazil}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Brazil Lei 13.106/2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2015-2018/2015/lei/l13106.htm |title=LEI Nº 13.106, DE 17 DE MARÇO DE 2015. Art. 1o, Art. 2o |publisher=Presidência da República Casa Civil|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Brazil Lei 13.106/2015"/>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a person under 18 years of age. The presidential law enacted on 17 March 2015 made any violation of the law a criminal offence. Any adult person selling, serving, giving or supplying alcohol beverages to a minor is punished with imprisonment of 2 to 4 years, a fine of R$3.000 to R$10.000 and a ban to operate any business selling or serving alcohol.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|British Virgin Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|16<ref name="Liquor Licences Act BVI"/>
| It is prohibited to sell or to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 16. ID is rarely requested.
|-
| rowspan=2| {{flag|Canada}}
| {{flag|Alberta}}<br />{{flag|Manitoba}}<br />{{flag|Quebec}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Alberta GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT"/><ref name="Manitoba The Liquor and Gaming Control Act"/><ref name="Quebec ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS"/>
| In Alberta no person may give or sell or permit any person to give or sell liquor to a minor in licensed premises.<ref name="Alberta GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT">{{cite web|url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/g01.pdf |title=GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT – Supplying liquor to minor – 75 |publisher=Alberta Queen's Printer|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> In Manitoba a person must not give, sell or otherwise supply liquor to a minor. The law provides exceptions for a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professional for medical purposes; for sacramental purposes and by the parent, guardian, spouse or common-law partner, if it is given or supplied in a residence.<ref name="Manitoba The Liquor and Gaming Control Act">{{cite web|url=http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/l153e.php |title=The Liquor and Gaming Control Act – No providing liquor to minors – 62 (1) and (2)|publisher=Manitoba Queen's Printer|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> In Quebec the law prohibits the sale of alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years.<ref name="Quebec ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS">{{cite web|url=http://legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/ShowDoc/cs/P-9.1 |title=ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS|publisher=Gouvernement du Québec|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Ontario}}<br />{{flag|Saskatchewan}}<br />{{flag|British Columbia}}<br />{{flag|Newfoundland and Labrador}}<br />{{flag|Nova Scotia}}<br />{{flag|New Brunswick}}<br />{{flag|Prince Edward Island}}<br />{{flag|Northwest Territories}}<br />{{flag|Yukon}}<br />{{flag|Nunavut}}
| style="text-align:center;" |None
|19
| Ontario's [[Liquor Licence Act (Ontario)|Liquor Licence Act]] permits the supply and consumption of liquor to those under the age of 19. However, supplying a person under the age of 19 is restricted to the person's parent or legal guardian, and may only occur in a residence or in a private place of the parent or legal guardian. A person under the age of 19 who was supplied liquor in this manner is permitted to consume the liquor only in the place it was supplied.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l19#BK34|title=Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19 s.30 Rules, persons under 19|date=24 July 2014 |publisher=Queen's Printer for Ontario|access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Cayman Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="LIQUOR LICENSING LAW">{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/POL/INFORMATIONGUIDES/FREQUENTLYCONSULTEDLAWS/LIQUOR2000.PDF |publisher=gov.ky |title=LIQUOR LICENSING LAW – 21., 22. |access-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912014454/http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/POL/INFORMATIONGUIDES/FREQUENTLYCONSULTEDLAWS/LIQUOR2000.PDF |archive-date=12 September 2015 }}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for any minor to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol beverages. Violation of the law is punished with a fine of five thousand dollars, and the court may, if the offence was committed by the licensee, order that the licensee shall forfeit his licence and that no licence may be issued to that person for a period not exceeding ten years from the date of his conviction.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Chile}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="IARD">{{cite web|url=https://www.iard.org/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits|title=Minimum Legal Age Limits|date=January 2019|website=IARD|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
| The minimum age is 18 to enter an enclosure that sells alcohol beverages. Selling alcohol to a minor may incur a fine. One must provide identification upon request. Residents of Chile over the age of 18 must carry their [[identity card#Chile|Chilean identification card]] issued by the Civil Registry and Identification Service at all times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=220208 |title=LAW ON EXPENDITURE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES |language=es |access-date=7 September 2017}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Colombia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Colombia LEY 124 DE 1994">{{cite web |url=http://www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/normas/Norma1.jsp?i=291 |publisher=Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C |title=LEY 124 DE 1994 – Artículo 1º. |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Colombia LEY 124 DE 1994"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Costa Rica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Costa Rica Ley n.º 7633">{{cite web |url=http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/leyderegulaciondehorarios.pdf |publisher=Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C |title=Ley n.º 7633 – REGULACIÓN DE HORARIOS DE FUNCIONAMIENTO EN EXPENDIOS DE BEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS – ARTÍCULO 5.-|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). Selling alcohol to a minor will be punished with a fine equivalent to ten basic salaries. Whoever permits minors to maintain in any establishment which main purpose is to sell alcohol beverages, will be sanctioned with a fine equivalent to five salaries. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Costa Rica Ley n.º 7633"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cuba}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<ref name="Cuba CODIGO PENAL">{{cite web |url=https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.cu/html/ipenal.html |publisher=gacetaoficial.gob.cu |title=CODIGO PENAL – ARTICULO 313.1.- |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=19 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019063656/http://www.gacetaoficial.gob.cu/html/ipenal.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| The penal code prohibits any adult to induce any young person under the age of 16 years, to habitually consume alcohol beverages. However this means that de facto anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol should check if the buyer has attained the age of 16 years. In most cases this law is not strictly enforced.<ref name="Cuba CODIGO PENAL"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubahora.cu/sociedad/tragos-amargos |publisher=CUBAHORA |title=Tragos amargos |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Dominica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16
|Laws of Dominica Liquor Licences Act Chapter 70:03, Part IV, Sec 15(f)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Dominican Republic}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Alcohol y menores">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnd.com.do/index.php/alcohol-y-menores/introduccion |publisher=cnd.com.do |title=Alcohol y menores de edad |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005732/http://www.cnd.com.do/index.php/alcohol-y-menores/introduccion |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=2| [[Canada]]
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ecuador}}
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ley Ecuador">{{cite web|url=http://www.dpe.gob.ec/wp-content/dpetransparencia2014/literala/BaseLegalQueRigeLaInstitucion/ReglamentoLeyOrganicaConsumidor.pdf |publisher=Secretario General de la Administración Pública |title=REGLAMENTO GENERAL A LA LEY ORGANICA DE DEFENSA DEL CONSUMIDOR PUBLICADA EN EL SUPLEMENTO DEL REGISTRO OFICIAL No. 116 DEL 10 DE JULIO DEL 2000. – Art. 54.- b) |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| in [[Alberta]], [[Manitoba]] and [[Quebec]];
| It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years of age. The law obligates establishments to place a visible notice at the point of sale and to check identification to enforce the law. However it is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Ley Ecuador"/>
|-
|-
| colspan=2 align=center| 19
| colspan=2| {{flag|El Salvador}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| in all other provinces. Drinking by minors under adult supervision is permitted in licensed premises in the provinces of Manitoba and [[New Brunswick]] and at home in [[Prince Edward Island]], [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], Alberta, [[British Columbia]], [[Ontario]], and [[Saskatchewan]].<ref>[http://www.grsproadsafety.org/themes/default/pdfs/Drinking%20Age%20Limits.pdf Drinking Age Limits] - International Center for Alcohol Policies</ref> Legal drinking age legislation falls under provincial jurisdiction.
| align="center" |18<ref name="LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS">{{cite web|url=https://sansalvador.gob.sv/phocadownload/userupload/Sindicatura/LEY-REGULADORA-DE-LA-PRODUCCION-Y-COMERCIALIZACION-DE-ALCOHOL-Y-BEBIDAS-ALCOHOLICAS.pdf |publisher=Gobierno de San Salvador |title=LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS – Art. 49.-|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is strictly prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is punished with [[Salvadoran colón|₡]]25,000.00 and if convicted once more the license will be suspended for a period of six months. It is legal for minors to buy, attempt to buy and consume alcohol.<ref name="LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS"/>
|-
|-
| colspan=2|''{{flag|Falkland Islands}}''
| [[Chile]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993">{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.fk/view/whole/inforce/2018-03-18/fiord-1993-3?query=((Repealed%253DN%2520AND%2520DocType%253D%2522fiord%2522%2520AND%2520PitValid%253D%2540pointInTime(20180318174407)%2520AND%2520DocStatus%253D%2522inforce%2522)%2520OR%2520(Repealed%253DN%2520AND%2520DocType%253D%2522fisl%2522%2520AND%2520PitValid%253D%2540pointInTime(20180318174407)%2520AND%2520DocStatus%253D%2522inforce%2522))%2520AND%2520Year%253D1993&displayQuery=[{%22name%22:%22Document%20types%22,%22value%22:%22In%20force%20Ordinances,%20In%20force%20Secondary%20Legislation%22},{%22name%22:%22Query%22},{%22name%22:%22Year%22,%22value%22:%221993%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22},{%22name%22:%22Number%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22},{%22name%22:%22Point%20in%20time%22,%22value%22:%2218/03/2018%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22}]#sec.4|publisher=Government of the Falkland Islands |title=Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993 – Sections 3, 4 and 5|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| It is prohibited for any adult to sell, give or provide alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years in any public place or licensed premises. Parents may permit their children to consume alcohol on private premises. Minors consuming alcohol in public are committing a criminal offence. The law provides exceptions for the consumption of alcohol by minors for prescription of or at the direction of a government medical officer or in the course of the administration of Holy Communion according to the rites of any Christian denomination.<ref name="Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Grenada}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<br />None <small>(off-premise)</small>
|Chapter 174 Liquor Dealers' Licenses Act (1988), accessible through the Laws of Grenada Portal
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guatemala}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Guatemala DECRETO NUMERO 90-97">{{cite web |url=http://www.cicad.oas.org/fortalecimiento_institucional/legislations/pdf/gt/decreto_congresional_90-97.pdf |publisher=EL Congreso de la República de Guatemala |title=Decreto 90–97 – Artículo 50. |access-date=7 August 2021}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol drink to a minor under 18 years of age on any establishment or in the street.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guyana}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<br />16 <small>(on-premise for wine or malt liquor with a meal)</small><ref name="Guyana Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.guyaneselawyer.com/lawsofguyana/Laws/cap8221.pdf |title=Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act – Section 55|publisher=EL CONGRESO DE LA REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to a person under 18 years of age. The law provides an exception for minors aged 16 and 17, if they consume a glass of beer, wine or cider with a meal in a restaurant. Otherwise attempting to buy alcohol or buying alcohol as a minor is an offence.<ref name="Guyana Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Haiti}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |None <smALL>(at national level)</small>
| In the capital Port-au-Prince, it is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to minors under 18 years old from 17 May 2017. Vendors are required to check identification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.anmwe.com/haiti-interdiction-de-vendre-de-lalcool-aux-mineurs-informe-le-chef-du-parquet/|title=HAITI: Interdiction de vendre de l'alcool aux mineurs informe le chef du parquet|date=22 May 2015|publisher=Anmwe News|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref> The Senate voted on a proposed Law on the protection of minors from alcohol beverages, to establish a legal purchase age of 18 and related implementation measures, in December 2012. The law has not yet been approved and enacted.

''Law prohibiting minors entry to entertainment venues'' Article 1 prohibits those under the age of 16 from entering cinemas and theaters (except during children's programming), clubs, cafes, or venues licensed to sell alcohol beverages.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Honduras}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Law for Police Enforcement and Social Coexistence Decree 226 (2001) Article 68 bans the sale of alcohol to minors; The definition of punishable gang activity for minors aged 12–18 includes drinking alcohol beverages in public places (Art 90–91).

Code of Children and Adolescents Decree 73 (1996)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Jamaica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align=center|18<ref name="Child Care and Protection Act Jamaica">{{cite web|url=http://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/Child%20Care%20and%20Protection%20Act_0.pdf |publisher=Government of Jamaica |title=Child Care and Protection Act – Section 40 |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child (which is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years).<ref name="Child Care and Protection Act Jamaica"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mexico}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="IARD"/>
| All Mexican states prohibit the sale of alcohol to any person under 18 years old. Identification is required for age verification. Some states may allow minors to consume alcoholic beverages with parental consent.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.velasresorts.com.mx/faq/destinos/cul-es-la-edad-mnima-para-consumir-alcohol-en-mxico | title=¿Cuál es la edad mínima para consumir alcohol en México? }}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nicaragua}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="PROHIBICIÓN VENTA DE LICOR A MENORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS">{{cite web|url=https://www.nicasalud.org.ni/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CODIGO-DE-LA-NI%C3%91EZ-ADOLESCENCIA-Y-LA-FAMILIA-2014.pdf|title=CÓDIGO DE LA NIÑEZ Y LA ADOLESCENCIA. LEY No. 287|date=2014|publisher=Asamblea Nacional de la República de Nicaragua|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Panama}}
| [[Colombia]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/pan41786.pdf|title=EL CONSEJO NACIONAL DE LEGISLACION DECRETA: CAPITULO PRIMERO IMPUESTOS SOBRE EXPENDIO DE BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS.|publisher=Consejo Nacional de Legislación|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Paraguay}}
| [[Costa Rica]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bacn.gov.py/leyes-paraguayas/5076/ley-n-1642-prohibe-la-venta-de-bebidas-alcoholicas-a-menores-de-edad-y-prohibe-su-consumo-en-la-via-publica|title=Ley N° 1.642 / 2000 – QUE PROHÍBE LA VENTA DEBEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS A MENORES DE EDAD Y PROHÍBE SU CONSUMO EN LA VÍA PÚBLICA|date=13 June 2016|publisher=Biblioteca y Archivo Central del Congreso Nacional|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Peru}}
| [[Cuba]]
| align=center| No minimum age
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.peru.justia.com/federales/leyes/28681-mar-3-2006.pdf |publisher=docs.peru.justia.com |title=Ley No. 28681 |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| align=center| 16
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}
| [[Dominican Republic]]
| colspan=2 align=center| None
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|
|Liquor Licences Act Sec 32(f)
|-
| [[Ecuador]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Lucia}}
| [[Guatemala]]
| align=center| No minimum age
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align=center| 18
| align="center" |16
|Chapter 13.17 Liquor Licence Act Art 37
|
|-
| [[Haiti]]
| colspan=2 align=center|16
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}
| [[Honduras]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/vct.pdf?ua=1|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|
|Chapter 342 Liquor License Act (1990), Sections 27 and 28
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
|[[Jamaica]]
|colspan=2 align=center| No minimum age
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Trinidad and Tobago">{{cite web|url=http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/alphabetical_list/lawspdfs/84.10.pdf |title=Liquor Licenses Act – Section 60|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to child under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for an adult to send a child to buy alcohol on behalf. It is not prohibited for children to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Trinidad and Tobago"/>
|-
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}}''
|[[Mexico]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Turks and Caicos Islands">{{cite web|url=http://online.fliphtml5.com/fizd/micd/#p=22 |title=Liquor Licenses Act – Section 27|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
| It is prohibited to serve or sell liquor to a young person under the age of eighteen years. Minors under the age of sixteen years may not present in a licensed premises mainly serving and selling alcohol beverages.<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Turks and Caicos Islands"/>
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |{{flag|United States}}
|[[Nicaragua]]
|(50 states)
|colspan=2 align=center|19
| style="text-align:center;" |Varies by state<ref name="IARD"/>
|
| style="text-align:center;" |21<ref name="IARD"/>
|-
| The [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] requires all states and territories to have a minimum purchasing age of 21 or lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. The act does not apply to the age of alcohol consumption (i.e., states may allow alcohol consumption by those under 21 years of age without penalty). Exceptions to the drinking age is governed by state law.
|[[Panama]]

| colspan=2 align=center|18
Some [[U. S. state|states]] do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or in [[bar (establishment)|bars]] (usually, the difference between a bar and a [[restaurant]] is that food is served only in the latter). Contrary to popular belief, only a few states prohibit [[minor (law)|minors]] and [[youth|young adults]] from consuming alcohol in private settings.
|

|-
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism maintains a database that details state-level regulations on consumption and sale age limits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/underage-drinking/state-profiles|title=APIS: State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws|publisher=National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref>
|[[Paraguay]]

| colspan=2 align=center|18
{{See also|Minor in Possession|List of alcohol laws of the United States}}
|
|-
|-
|''{{flag|Puerto Rico}}''
|[[Peru]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18
|Law 118 Penalties for Provision of Alcoholic Beverages to Minors under 18 years of age (1984)
|-
|''{{flag|United States Virgin Islands}}''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/faq/#drinking |title=Helpful Visitor Information for the Virgin Islands |publisher=Vinow.com |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uruguay}}
|[[Puerto Rico]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elobservador.com.uy/legisladores-quieren-prohibir-que-menores-18-consuman-bebidas-alcoholicas-n1044893 |title=Legisladores quieren prohibir que menores de 18 consuman bebidas alcohólicas|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
| Only selling alcohol to minors under the age of 18 is prohibited, consumption and purchase by minors is not prohibited.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Venezuela}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="LEY N° 28681">{{cite web|url=https://www.fundacionbengoa.org/lactancia/legal/LOPNA.pdf|title=Gaceta Oficial N° 5. 266 Extraordinario de fecha 2 de octubre de 1998: LEY ORGÁNICA PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DEL NIÑO Y DEL ADOLESCENTE|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017185041/https://www.fundacionbengoa.org/lactancia/legal/LOPNA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|}

==Asia==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:24%;"| Country
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
|[[United States]]
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
| colspan=2 align=center| 21 (18 in military installations)
| Financial incentives create de facto [[United States federal law|federal]] purchase age of 21. The [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984]] states that revenue will be withheld from states that allow the purchase of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Some states do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or in [[bar (establishment)|bars]] (usually, the difference between a bar and a [[restaurant]] is whether food is being served). Contrary to popular belief, since [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984]], few states specifically prohibit [[minor]]s' consumption of alcohol in private settings (an exception includes Connecticut). In some cases or states, [[alcohol permits]] can be purchased at a cost to the parent or legal guardian. New York permits those under twenty-one to drink in restaurants provided that they are with a parent or guardian, the alcohol is poured (if applicable) by the parent or guardian, the parent or guardian hands the drink to the minor person, and the minor person is not seated at the bar. [[As of 2006]], 20 [[U. S. state|states]] do not specifically ban underage consumption and an additional 15 states have family member and/or location exceptions to their underage consumption laws. [http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/index.asp?Type=BAS_APIS&amp;SEC={0D5C719E-FCE8-4E15-A367-4145C655505F}&amp;DE={E6F19624-0ADC-437F-917D-5E7CBC9F58B9}]<br>Federal law explicitly provides for religious, medical, employment and private club possession exceptions; as of 2005, 31 states have family member and/or location exceptions to their underage possession laws. [http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/index.asp?Type=BAS_APIS&amp;SEC={DA244DAF-EB78-425C-915B-D26D303F9E13}&amp;DE={468A8313-845A-41C8-A6F1-73D42EDD5F24}]<br> Underage purchase of alcohol, though illegal in all fifty states, is not a federal offense, although restrictions on highway funding for states that allow it make it illegal federally de facto. See [[Underage drinking in the United States]]. Additionally, exceptions exist on certain military installations, for instance [[Fort Bliss]], [[Texas]], where the Commanding General lowered the age to 18 to reduce the number of soldiers traveling out of the country to nearby [[Ciudad_Juarez|Ciudad Juárez]], Mexico, to drink.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Afghanistan}}
|[[Uruguay]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4c58395a2.pdf|title=Penal Code (1976), Art 349–352|work=Refworld|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Bahrain}}
|[[Venezuela]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref>{{Cite web|title=I was curious what your drinking age is as well...|url=https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g293997-d1509933-t204348-I_was_curious_what_your_drinking_age_is_as_well.html#:~:text=Legal%20drinking%20age%20in%20Bahrain%20is%2021.|access-date=29 October 2020|website=tripadvisor.com|language=en}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
|
|
|}
|-
| {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| style="text-align:center;" |21<ref name="IARD"/>
| style="text-align:center;" |21 <small>(for non-Muslims and foreigners)<br />(Muslims require medical prescription for purchasing)</small><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Bangladesh Introduces New Alcohol Policy Measures, Including Alcohol Age Limit and Health Warnings |url=https://movendi.ngo/news/2022/02/24/bangladesh-introduces-new-alcohol-policy-measures-including-alcohol-age-limit-and-health-warnings/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Movendi International |language=en-US}}</ref>
|In 2021, reforms were introduced to alcohol regulations, for the first time a minimum age was defined, 21 years was chosen. Muslims can consume alcohol if they obtain a medical prescription.<ref name="auto"/>


=== Asia ===
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan=2 | Country / region
! colspan=2 | [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 | Notes
|-
! Drinking Age
! Purchase Age
|-
|-
| {{flag|Bhutan}}
| [[Azerbaijan]]
| align=center| 14
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="bhutan">{{cite web|url=https://bhutan.eregulations.org/media/rules%20and%20reg-%20license.pdf|title=Rules And Regulations For Establishment And Operation Of Industrial And Commercial Ventures In Bhutan, 1995|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>
| align=center| 18
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Brunei}}
| [[Armenia]]
| style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited <small>(for Muslims and public consumption)</small><br />17 <small>(for non-Muslims' private residence consumption)</small><ref name="IARD"/>
| colspan=2 align=center| No minimum age
| style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
|
|Non-Muslims over 17 years of age are allowed to import alcohol not to exceed maximum total volume 2 litres of liquor and 12 cans of beer at 330 mL for personal use, once in 48 hours. This alcohol must be "stored and consumed at the place of residence of the importer" and is "not to be given, transferred or sold to another person.".<ref name="IARD"/>
|-
|-
| {{flag|Cambodia}}
|[[Bahrain]]
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" colspan="2" |None
|The Health Ministry drafted a law to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in June 2015, with emphasis on establishing a minimum legal purchase age of 21 and preventing underage drinking.
|Muslims in Bahrain are not allowed to drink alcohol at any age. Non-Muslims may, but are forbidden to drink during [[Ramadan]]. <ref>[http://www.lawguru.com/cgi/bbs/mesg.cgi?i=665023689] - LawGuru.com</ref>

The draft law has not yet been enacted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kimmarita |first=Long |title=Groups urge passing of alcohol law be sped up |url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/groups-urge-passing-alcohol-law-be-sped |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=www.phnompenhpost.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|China}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"| 18<ref name="IARD"/>
| Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (2006 Revision) [Revised in 2012]<ref>{{Cite web|title=laws|url=http://www.npc.gov.cn/zgrdw/englishnpc/Law/2007-12/12/content_1383869.htm|access-date=29 October 2020|website=npc.gov.cn}}</ref>
Ministry of Commerce Decree No. 25 (2006)
|-
| ''{{flag|Hong Kong}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{Cite Hong Kong ordinance|name=Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations|109B|37|type=reg}}, with reference to {{Cite Hong Kong ordinance|name=Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance|1|3}}</ref>
| IDs are rarely checked in bars and clubs, but are checked when purchasing alcohol at shops. Private drinking is also not regulated.<ref>[https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-1617ise12-regulation-of-underage-drinking.htm Regulation of underage drinking], Legislative Council, 24 April 2017.</ref>
|-
| {{flag|India}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18–25 (varies by jurisdiction)<ref name="IARD"/><br />21 is the legal drinking age in the majority of the [[States and union territories of India|states of India]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://mrliquor.in/legal-drinking-age-in-india/ |title= Legal Drinking Age in India |last= Gaur |first= Shubhank |date= 6 March 2017 |website= MrLiquor |access-date= 7 July 2021 |quote= Most states of India have a minimum drinking age of 21}}</ref>
|{{main|Alcohol laws of India}}18 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=Delhi lowers drinking age: What's the age limit to consume alcohol in other states|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-lowers-drinking-age-whats-the-age-limit-to-consume-alcohol-in-other-states-7240499/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
21 in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explained: The minimum legal drinking age in some countries across the world |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-minimum-legal-drinking-age-countries-world-7687320/ |access-date=4 August 2022 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

25 in Maharashtra,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Prohibition Act,1949 |url=https://stateexcise.maharashtra.gov.in/Pdf/Maharashtra_Excise_Manual_Vol-I.pdf}}</ref> Meghalaya and Punjab.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minimum Legal Age Limits |url=http://iardwebprod.azurewebsites.net/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=International Alliance for Responsible Drinking |language=en}}</ref>

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Manipur, and Nagaland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bihar-liquor-ban-states-having-total-prohibition-gujarat-kerala|title=States with total and phase-wise prohibition of alcohol in India|date=6 April 2016|access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{flag|Indonesia}}
| [[Brunei]]
| colspan="2" align="center" |21<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20141031121011-255-9076/tak-boleh-minum-bir-sebelum-umur-21-tahun/|title=Tak Boleh Minum Bir Sebelum Umur 21 Tahun|work=CNN Indonesia|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><br />Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua
| colspan=2 align=center| Illegal
|Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua; 21 elsewhere for both on- and off-premise sale. According to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 20 Year 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=JDIHN - Detail Dokumen |url=https://jdihn.go.id/pencarian/detail/563704 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=jdihn.go.id}}</ref> Qanun Laws of Aceh No. 6 Year 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=JDIHN - Detail Dokumen |url=https://jdihn.go.id/pencarian/detail/1580831 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=jdihn.go.id}}</ref> and Regional Regulation of Papua Province No.15 Year 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PERDA Prov. Papua No. 15 Tahun 2013 tentang Pelarangan Produksi, Pengedaran dan Penjualan Minuman Beralkohol [JDIH BPK RI] |url=https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Home/Details/125461/perda-prov-papua-no-15-tahun-2013 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=peraturan.bpk.go.id}}</ref>
|Muslims are not allowed to drink or possess alcohol, non-Muslim residents and visitors may import alcohol for personal consumption. Public sale of alcohol is illegal.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Iran}}
| [[People's Republic of China]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD"/>
| align=center| No minimum age
| There is a ban on alcohol, but religious minorities may purchase small amounts from shops owned by the same religious minority.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/policy_iran.pdf |title=Islamic Republic of Iran (the) |date= |publisher=[[World Health Organization]]}}</ref>
| align=center| 18
|Introduced in January, 2006. <sup>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-01/06/content_510002.htm]</sup>. Although the purchase age is legally 18, it is generally not observed for foreigners living in China.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Iraq}}
|[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alcohol Drinking Ages Around the World |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/alcohol-drinking-ages-around-the-world-3150465|access-date=2 January 2021 |author=Kathleen Crislip|date=2019-06-26|website=TripSavvy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417202421/https://www.tripsavvy.com/alcohol-drinking-ages-around-the-world-3150465|archive-date=2021-04-17|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align=center| No minimum age
|There was a proposal of banning alcohol in 2016, but was instead taxed by 200%<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|date=23 October 2016|title=Iraq's parliament passes law banning alcohol|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/23/iraqs-parliament-passes-law-banning-alcohol|access-date=5 May 2018}}</ref>
| align=center| 18
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Israel}}
| [[Hong Kong]]
| align=center| No minimum age
| align="center"| No limit in private places,
18 in public spaces<ref>Law to control alcohol intoxication (2010)</ref>
| align=center| 18
| align="center"| 18<ref name="IARD"/>
|
| Israel law prohibits selling or serving alcohol to minors. Minors are prohibited to drink alcohol in public places and the police may confiscate alcohol drinks from them.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Japan}}
|[[India]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|20<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=211AC0000000020|title=Underage Drinking Prohibition Law (Act No. 20 of Taisho 11)|website=e-gov Japan|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
|colspan=2 align=center|18- 25 varies between states. 19 in Mumbai
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Jordan}}
| [[Indonesia]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18
|Instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior Concerning Liquor Store Permits (2010), Article 6
|align=center|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
| [[Iraq]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21
|
|Law 235 of 2014 Code of Administrative Offences Section 200
|-
|-
| {{flag|Kuwait}}
|[[Iran]]
|colspan=2 align=center| Illegal to all, except for Jewish or Christian ceremonies
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
|Law No. 46 (1964)
| Only alcohol used for Jewish or Christian religious ceremonies is allowed.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
|[[Israel]]
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
| Although the minimum age for consumption and or / purchase of alcohol is 18 in israel, there is no punishment for underage drinking, only for vendors selling alcohol to minors.
|Law No.269 Government Regulation of the Production and Sale of Alcohol (2009), Article 13.2
|-
|-
| {{flag|Lebanon}}
|[[Jordan]]
|colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Penal Code (1943), Articles 625–626 (promulgated by Legislative Decree No. 340 (2011)
According to a global school health study, 40% of minors over 13 drink alcohol and up to 25% buy it from stores.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.executive-magazine.com/economics-policy/lebanons-underage-drinking-problem|title=Lebanon's underage drinking problem – Executive Magazine|date=14 March 2013|website=Executive Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=19 June 2016}}</ref>
|-
| ''{{flag|Macau}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="IARD" />
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Malaysia}}
|[[Japan]]
|colspan=2 align=center|20
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |Restricted to non-Muslims<br />Prohibited for Muslims<br />21 for non-Muslims<ref name="IARD" />
|Alcohol can be bought in some [[vending machine]]s. Many vending machines have now installed ID readers which must be inserted prior to purchasing or are turned off when liquor stores are open to prevent minors from purchasing.
| Food Act 1983 Food Regulations (1985) Regulation 361 (2014) and Food (Amendment) Regulations 2016
Increased from 18 to 21 in December 2017, effective 16 October 2018. Anyone caught selling to persons under 21 can be fined up to RM10,000 and jailed up to 2 years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-raises-legal-drinking-age-imposes-health-warnings |title=Putrajaya raises legal drinking age, imposes health warnings |author=Boo Su-Lyn |publisher=Malay Mail Online |date=28 May 2016 |access-date=7 June 2016}}</ref>

[[Malaysian identity card]]s display the word "[[ISLAM]]" if the holder is Muslim (and otherwise blank if the holder is non-Muslim) on the bottom right corner, which allows enforcement of the religion-based sales restriction.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Maldives}}
|[[South Korea|Korea, South]]
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|Restricted to tourists<br />Prohibited for citizens<br />18 for tourists<ref name="IARD" />
|colspan=2 align=center|19
|Sale of alcohol is limited to tourist resorts. It is prohibited to sell alcohol to local Maldivians<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mainlymaldives.co.uk/alcohol-maldives |work=MainlyMaldives.co.uk |title=Alcohol in the Maldives |date=5 December 2013 |access-date=7 June 2016}}</ref>
|From January 1 of the year the person becomes 19
|-
|-
| {{flag|Mongolia}}
|[[Kuwait]]
| style="text-align:center;" |21 / 18 with parent consent<ref name="who_mongolia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.legalinfo.mn/law/showPrint/55|title=Law to Combat Alcoholism (2000)|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|colspan=2 align=center|-
| align="center" |21<ref name="who_mongolia" />
|Illegal to buy.
|Those under 21 are prohibited from drinking alcohol; parents and guardians are prohibited from supplying alcohol to those under 18.
|-
|-
| {{flag|Myanmar}}
|[[Lebanon]]
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"|18
|
|Child Law (1993) Art 65

Excise Act (1958) Art 40(7)
|-
|-
| {{flag|Nepal}}
|[[Malaysia]]
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/np/archives/category/documents/prevailing-law/statutes-acts/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE|title=Hotel Distribution and Wine Sales Distribution (Control) Act|website=Nepal Law Commission|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref>
|The sale of alcohol to Muslims is illegal, as is consumption of alcohol by Muslims in public.
|A policy has reportedly been adopted that would make the legal purchase age 21. However, there are exceptions to underage consumption for purposes of religious ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal|url=https://iogt.org/news/2017/02/22/nepal-government-adopted-new-alcohol-law/ |publisher=[[IOGT International]] |access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{flag|North Korea}}
|[[Nepal]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited For Foreigners{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
|colspan=2 align=center|18
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Oman]]
| {{flag|Oman}}
|colspan=2 align=center|21
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref name="IARD" />
| Residents need personal liquor licenses to consume alcohol in their private residences.<ref name="FCO Oman">{{cite web |title=Oman|url=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman/local-laws-and-customs |publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] |access-date=24 September 2016}}</ref>
| Very few (if any) establishments will serve alcohol during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
|-
|-
|[[Pakistan]]
| {{flag|Pakistan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited <small>(for Muslims)</small><br />21 <small>(for non-Muslims)</small><ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
| colspan=2 align=center|Illegal to all
| Prohibited for Muslims. Purchase age for Non-Muslims is 21.
|-
| {{flag|Palestine}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|16<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
| Legal in most cities.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|-
| {{flag|Philippines}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Minors (defined as under 18 years old) are prohibited to purchase alcohol and adults are prohibited to purchase or provide alcohol to minors. Minors are not prohibited to consume alcohol. ''Act Regulating the Access of Minors to Alcohol Section 4''
|-
| {{flag|Qatar}}
|style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited <small>(for Muslims)</small><br />21 <small>(for non-Muslims)</small><ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|align="center"|21
|Muslims are allowed to purchase alcohol but not consume it.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/> Only residents with a liquor license from the Qatar Distribution Company (owned by Qatar Airways) are allowed to purchase alcohol outside of hotels and restaurants and must make a minimum of QAR 4000 per month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol and Liquor Licences in Qatar - Qatar |url=http://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/qatar/lifestyle/food-drink/liquor-licence |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=Angloinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
| Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Persons who drink or possess alcohol are subject to arrest and trial. Punishments range from heavy fines, lengthy prison terms and whippings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rules and laws on drugs and alcohol in Saudi Arabia {{!}} Expatica|url=https://www.expatica.com/sa/living/gov-law-admin/rules-and-laws-on-drugs-and-alcohol-in-saudi-arabia-71303/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Expat Guide to Saudi Arabia {{!}} Expatica|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Singapore}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name=":3">{{Singapore legislation|title=Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act|cap=new|no=5|year=2015}}</ref><br />18 <small>(at licensed premises)</small>
| align="center"|18<ref name=":3" />
|It is prohibited to sell alcohol to those under 18. Anyone caught selling, furnishing or acquiring alcohol in any licensed premise to persons below 18 can be fined up to $10,000.


It is also prohibited for minors to purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol from any licensed premises, in which the minors can also be fined up to $10,000. However, the authorities rarely enforced this on minors.
|Forbidden by [[Sharia]] ([[Islamic]] Law, with [[qur'anic]] and other traditional legal inspirations) .. but can be purchased in some areas of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.


It is technically legal for minors to possess and consume alcohol at home and in public (not in any licensed premises) as there is no law prohibiting it. It is also technically legal for someone to purchase alcohol and pass it to minors outside the store or licensed premise.<ref name=":3" />
|-
|-
| {{flag|South Korea}}
|[[Philippines]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"|19<ref name="law.go.kr">{{cite web| url = http://www.law.go.kr/법령/청소년보호법| title = 청소년보호법}}</ref>
|The age limit for alcohol is 19 calculated by the year of birth. This means that an 18-year-old will be legally allowed to purchase and consume alcohol if he or she will be turning 19 that year. For example, two persons born on 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2002 will both turn 19 years of age at the same time on 1 January 2021 and hence, both of them will be considered to be of legal age to purchase and consume alcohol on and after that date, despite the latter being only 18 years and 1 day old based on western age.

The method of calculating the legal age for alcohol slightly differs from Korean age reckoning in which another one year will be added to the person's age, whereas this method only doesn't take into account the month and day of birth but only the year instead.<ref name="law.go.kr"/>

On June 28, 2023, the law that requires measuring age in the western way came into force. However, the previous system to determine the age to drink alcohol will be maintained.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seo |first=Jessie Yeung,Yoonjung |date=2023-06-28 |title=South Koreans become younger overnight after country scraps 'Korean age' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/27/asia/south-korea-drops-korean-age-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{flag|Sri Lanka}}
|[[Qatar]]
|colspan=2 align=center|21
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nddcb.gov.lk/Docs/acts/NATA%20Act%20English.pdf|title=NATIONAL AUTHORITY ON TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL ACT, No. 27 OF 2006|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Syria}}
|[[Russia]]
|colspan=2 align=center|no minimum age
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Taiwan}}
|[[Saudi Arabia]]
| colspan=2 align=center| Illegal to all
| style="text-align:center;" |18
| align="center" |18<ref>[https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0050001 Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act] (zh:兒童及少年福利法) of the Republic of China; Article 2 of defines children and youth as people under the age of 18.</ref>
| Forbidden by [[Sharia]] ([[Islamic]] Law, with [[qur'anic]] and other traditional legal inspirations)
|Parents, guardians, and others taking care of people under 18 shall not supply alcohol to them or risk administrative fines of 10000 to 50000 [[new Taiwan dollar]]s (Art 55).

No person shall supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 (Art 91).
|-
|-
| {{flag|Tajikistan}}
|[[Singapore]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="text-align:center;" |None / 20
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|
|Sale to minors under 18 years old is prohibited by Article 12 of Law No. 451 on State Regulation of Production and Turnover of Ethyl Alcohol and Alcohol Products.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>

Parents are required to forbid their children who have not reached age 20 to consume alcohol beverages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mfa.tj/ru/main/view/3958/zakon-respubliki-tadzhikistan-ob-otvetstvennosti-roditelei-za-obuchenie-i-vospitanie-detei|title=Закон Республики Таджикистан об ответственности родителей за обучение и воспитание детей|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{flag|Thailand}}
|[[Sri Lanka]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20<ref name="Thai_drinking" />
|
| The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 increased the drinking age in Thailand from 18 to 20, private drinking is not regulated in private locations.<ref name="Thai_drinking">{{cite web |last=Patin |first=Jennifer |title=Thailand Tourist Information: A Guide to Laws in Thailand |url=http://www.thailawforum.com/tourst-guide-laws-Thailand.html |publisher=Thailand Law Forum |access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaihealth.or.th/Content/25907-%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%2020%20%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5%20%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89.html|title=ตำกวา 20 ป ไมขายสราให|work=Thaihealth.or.th|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{flag|Turkey}}
|[[Republic of China]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="text-align:center;" |18
| align="center" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.3.4250.pdf|title=İSPİRTO VE İSPİRTOLU İÇKİLER İNHİSARI KANUNU|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
| Parents, guardians, and others taking care of people under 18 are required pursuant to the Children and Youth Welfare Law ([[s:zh:兒童及少年福利法|zh:兒童及少年福利法]]) to prohibit underage drinking or risk administrative fines when the situations are serious.
|{{See also|Alcohol laws of Turkey}}
|-
|-
| {{flag|Turkmenistan}}
|[[Thailand]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21<ref name="auto1"/><br />Prohibited In Airports And Stores
| Must be 20 to enter night clubs, but all people over 18 can buy alcohol in convenience stores.
|Law on Prevention of the Harmful Impact of Alcohol 2018 Art 22-2
Law no Trade Art 33
Code of Administrative Offences Art 315, 356
|-
|-
| {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|[[Turkey]]
| style="text-align:center;" |18 in Abu Dhabi<br />21 in most Northern Emirates and Dubai<br />Prohibited in Sharjah<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs|title=United Arab Emirates travel advice – GOVUK|website=gov.uk|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| align="center" |21<br />Completely prohibited in Sharjah
| People under 18 years old are allowed to drink non-distilled beverages while being accompanied by parents. Also, minors cannot enter bars.
| In November 2020, Drinking became legal in UAE without requiring a license and regardless of the religion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 November 2020|title=UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms|url=https://apnews.com/article/dubai-united-arab-emirates-honor-killings-travel-islam-bce74c423897dc77c7beb72e4f51a23a|access-date=8 November 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref>
Previously, expatriate non-[[Muslim]] residents had to request a liquor permit to purchase alcohol beverages, but it was prohibited for such holders to provide drinks to others.<ref name="Guidelines">{{cite web |url=http://www.icap.org/PolicyIssues/DrinkingGuidelines/GuidelinesTable/tabid/204/Default.aspx |title=International Drinking Guidelines |publisher=International Center for Alcohol Policies |access-date=17 February 2009}}</ref>

The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi (although a Ministry of Tourism by-law allows hotels to serve alcohol only to those over 21), and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where drinking alcohol is prohibited).<ref name=":0" />

It is a punishable offence to drink, or to be under the influence of alcohol, in public.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|-
| {{flag|Uzbekistan}}
|[[United Arab Emirates]]
| align=center|No minimum age
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"| 21<ref>{{Cite web |last=UzDaily |title=Uzbekistan bans sale of alcohol and tobacco to people under 21 |url=https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/post/81160 |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=UzDaily.uz |language=ru}}</ref>
| align=center|21
|In 2023, President [[Shavkat Mirziyoyev]] signed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol and nicotine products to those under 21 years of age, increasing it from 20 years.
| [[Dubai]] laws state that no person under the age of 16 may be in a place serving alcohol after 18:00. Alcohol is only served in restaurants and bars attached to hotels. Alcohol is forbidden in [[Sharjah]].
|-
|-
|[[Vietnam]]
| {{flag|Vietnam}}
|align=center|15
| align="center" | 18
|align=center|18
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Decree 94/2012/ND-CP on Liquor Production and Trading (2012), Article 19.7
|
|-
| {{flag|Yemen}}
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/14-countries-where-drinking-alcohol-is-illegal.html|title=14 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal|date=25 April 2017|website=WorldAtlas}}</ref>
|Exception is in [[Aden]] Region where it's legal for 21 and up<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=Drinking age in Yemen|url=https://drinkingagein.com/yemen|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Drinking Age in Countries Around the World|language=en}}</ref>
|}
|}


=== Europe ===
==Europe==
[[File:Konsumverbot.svg|thumb|500px|'''Laws banning minors from consuming alcohol in public/private:'''<br />{{legend|#FF0000|Minimum age to consume alcohol in public and private}}{{legend|#FFD800|Minimum age to consume alcohol in public}}{{legend|#267F00|No minimum age to consume alcohol in public or private}}]]
{| class="wikitable"
Most countries in [[Europe]] have set 18 as the minimum age to purchase alcohol. Although [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[Germany]], [[Gibraltar]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Malta]], [[Portugal]] and [[Switzerland]] (except [[Ticino]]) maintain a minimum purchase age below 18 years, minors are permitted either full or limited access to alcohol. In 2005,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/eu-will-alkoholkauf-erst-ab-18-erlauben-aid-1.1607191 |title=EU will Alkoholkauf erst ab 18 erlauben |author=AFP, dpa |date=26 February 2005 |language=de |website=rp-online.de |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> 2007<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/politik/europa/article107217172/Die-EU-will-Alkohol-erst-ab-18-Jahren-freigeben.html |title=Die EU will Alkohol erst ab 18 Jahren freigeben |author=AFP, dpa |date=13 March 2007 |language=de |website=abendblatt.de |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> and 2015<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article140181484/EU-Parlament-will-Alkohol-unter-18-verbieten.html |title=EU-Parlament will Alkohol unter 18 verbieten |author=Christoph B. Schiltz |date=27 April 2015 |language=de |website=welt.de/politik |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> harmonization at the [[European Union]] level toward a minimum purchase age of 18 was discussed, but not agreed.
! rowspan=2 | Country / region

! colspan=2 | [[De jure]]
Timeline of changes to drinking/purchase age or laws restricting the access to alcohol for minors:
! rowspan=2 | Notes

|-
* In 2002 the Spanish autonomous-communities [[Community of Madrid|Madrid]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elinconformistadigital.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=56 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150408124810/http://www.elinconformistadigital.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=56 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2015 |title=La ley seca aprobada en Madrid |author=Marlowe |date=7 March 2002 |language=es |website=elinconformistadigital.com |access-date=7 April 2015 }}</ref> [[Valencian Community|Valencia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joves.net/estas-d-acord/augmentar-l-edat-per-a-consumir-alcohol |title=El Conseller Blasco propone aumentar la edad legal para el consumo de alcohol |date=2002 |language=es |website=joves.net |access-date=7 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414042742/http://www.joves.net/estas-d-acord/augmentar-l-edat-per-a-consumir-alcohol |archive-date=14 April 2015 }}</ref> and [[Catalonia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasdrogas.info/noticias/453/cataluna-eleva-hasta-los-18-anos-la-edad-minima-para-poder-comprar-alcohol.html |title=Cataluña eleva hasta los 18 años la edad mínima para poder comprar alcohol |date=28 February 2002 |language=es |website=lasdrogas.info |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised their minimum purchase age to 18 years. Previously, Valencia and Madrid had a minimum purchase age of 16 years, and in Catalonia minors aged 16 or 17 could purchase alcohol up to 23% ABV on- and off-premise.
! Drinking Age
* In 2004 [[Denmark]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.si-folkesundhed.dk/Ugens%20tal%20for%20folkesundhed/Ugens%20tal/Uge_12_2006.aspx |title=Forbud mod salg af alkohol til personer under 16 år – virker det? |date=2006 |language=da|website=si-folkesundhed.dk |page=København: Statens Institut for Folkesundhed |publisher=Jørgensen MH, Riegels M, Hesse U & Grønbæk M. |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its off-premise purchase age from 15 to 16 years.
! Purchase Age
* In November 2005 Switzerland passed its Food and Commodities Regulation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20050153/index.html#a11 |title=Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung – Art. 11 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> (German: Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung), introducing a ban on alcohol sales to anyone under the age of 16. The Alcohol Law<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a41 |title=Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser – Art. 41 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> (German: Alkoholgesetz) passed in 1980 requires a minimum age of 18 years for the retail sale of distilled spirits. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell fermented alcohol (e.g. [[beer]], [[wine]], [[sparkling wine]] or [[cider]]) to anyone under the age of 16, and any distilled alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The canton of Ticino has a cantonal law since 1989 that makes the purchase age limit for all alcohol beverages 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www3.ti.ch/CAN/RLeggi/public/raccolta-leggi/legge/numero/6.1.1.1 |title=Legge sulla promozione della salute e il coordinamento sanitario (Legge sanitaria) – Art. 51 |language=it |website=ti.ch |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
|-
* In 2006 the Spanish autonomous community [[Castile and León]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/ultima-hora-en-vivo/2012/07/legislacion-contra-botellon-manos-comunidades-autonomas-20120728-2508.html |title=La legislación contra el botellón en manos de las comunidades autónomas |date=2012 |language=es |website=ElConfidencial.com |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.
| [[Albania]]
* In late 2006, [[Gibraltar]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |title=Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006 |date=2006 |website=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi |publisher=Government of Gibraltar |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721031927/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> lawmakers passed the ''Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006'', which raised the minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years. But the new law made an exception: minors aged 16 or 17 can purchase and consume beer, wine or cider under 15% ABV on-premise, and pre-packed containers of an alcohol strength not exceeding 5.5% ABV (e.g. [[alcopops]]).
| colspan=2 align=center|No minimum age
* In 2009 [[France]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2009/03/09/01016-20090309ARTFIG00563-les-deputes-interdisent-la-vente-d-alcool-aux-mineurs-.php |title=La vente d'alcool et de tabac interdite aux mineurs |author=Bastien Hugues |date=9 March 2009 |language=fr |website=lefigaro.fr |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its minimum purchase age to 18 years,<ref name="SantePublique3">[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexteArticle.do;jsessionid=18ED9AC9EF67D77F5A2C0373B8E6B783.tpdjo08v_1?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020879475&idArticle=LEGIARTI000020881176&dateTexte=20090920&categorieLien=id Law passed on 23 July 2009].</ref><ref name="SantePublique4">[http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do;jsessionid=EEA97DD8289FBEA8B0F379B642F59F2C.tpdjo10v_3?idArticle=LEGIARTI000006688129&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006072665&dateTexte=20090722 French Public Health Code, Art L3353-4].</ref> and fines were increased for selling or serving alcohol to a minor (up to €7,500). Previously, the minimum age was 16 years for off-premise and on-premise purchases of low-alcohol beverages (up to 3% ABV) such as wine, beer, cider, perry, mead, crème de cassis and juices from fermented fruits or vegetables that contain 1.2 to 3° alcohol, natural sweet wines from controlled cultivation and 18 for higher-ABV beverges.
|
* In October 2009, the government of [[Malta]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://livinginmalta.com/miscellaneuos/legal-drinking-age/ |title=Legal Drinking Age |author=Mark |date=16 June 2014 |website=livinginmalta.com |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> passed a new law raising its drinking and purchase age from 16 to 17 years.
* In 2010 the Spanish autonomous community of [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/06/17/espana/1276794476.html |title=Galicia elevará de 16 a 18 años la edad para beber y multará la venta a menores |author=Santiago de Compostela |date=17 June 2010 |language=es |website=elmundo.es |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* In 2011 [[Denmark]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sundhedsstyrelsen.dk/da/sundhed/alkohol/lovgivning |title=Lovgivning på alkoholområdet |date=22 January 2014 |language=da|website=sundhedsstyrelsen.dk |publisher=Sundhedsstyrelsen |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> passed a law raising the minimum age for off-premise sale of alcohol beverages of >16.5% ABV to 18 years of age. The minimum age to purchase alcohol beverages of <16.5% ABV remains 16.
* In March 2012 [[Moldova]] raised the minimum purchase age to 18, from 16 previously.<ref name="Art. 30">[Art.30 lit.j) în redacţia LP22 din 01.03.12, MO92/15.05.12 art.290]</ref><ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
*[[Italy]] raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 in 2012. Previously Italy did not have a purchase age for off-premise sales, and the minimum age of 16 years for on-premise sales was not well enforced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ufficiocommercio.it/pf/testo-news/27926/Divieto-di-vendita-alcolici-ai-minori-di-anni-18 |title=Divieto di vendita alcolici ai minori di anni 18 |date=14 November 2012 |language=it |website=ufficiocommercio.it |publisher=Ufficio Commercio |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* In 2013 the government of [[Portugal]] restricted alcohol sales to young people: distilled spirits cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and other alcohol beverages (e.g. beer, wine, or cider) cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16. Previously the minimum age for all alcohol beverages was 16 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ivv.min-agricultura.pt/np4/154?newsId=5684&fileName=NI_02_2013__27_05_2013_.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107013535/http://www.ivv.min-agricultura.pt/np4/154?newsId=5684&fileName=NI_02_2013__27_05_2013_.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 November 2013 |title=RESTRIÇÕES À DISPONIBILIZAÇÃO, VENDA E CONSUMO DE BEBIDAS ALCOÓLICAS – N.º02/2013 |author=Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho |date=27 March 2013 |language=pt |website=ivv.min-agricultura.pt |access-date=7 April 2015 }}</ref>
*{{As of|2014|January|1|df=UK}}, the minimum legal purchase and consumption age was raised from 16 to 18 in the [[Netherlands]]. Previously young people over the age of 16 could purchase and consume alcohol beverages of <15% ABV, and those aged 18 and over could purchase all alcohol beverages.<ref name="Alcohol in de wet">{{cite web |url=http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/alcohol/alcohol-in-de-wet |title=Alcohol in de wet |language=nl |website=rijksoverheid.nl |date=28 November 2012 |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
*{{As of|2015|March|df=UK}}, the Spanish autonomous community of [[Asturias]] raised its drinking age from 16 to 18 years. Asturias was Spain's last community with a drinking age of 16 years. The new law brings the drinking age into line with the rest of Spain, with the exception of Balearic Islands where no purchase age limit is set.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lne.es/asturias/2015/03/06/copas-saldran-caras-menores/1722639.html |title=Las copas saldrán caras a los menores |date=6 March 2015 |language=es |website=lne.es |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
*{{As of|2015|December|df=UK}}, [[Portugal]] harmonized its minimum drinking age to 18 years across all beverage types. Previously the purchase age was 16 years for low-alcohol beverages such as beer, wine or cider.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dre.pt/web/guest/legislacao-consolidada/-/lc/67421695/201704201944/exportPdf/normal/1/cacheLevelPage?_LegislacaoConsolidada_WAR_drefrontofficeportlet_rp=indice |title=Decreto-Lei n.º 50/2013 – Diário da República n.º 74/2013, Série I de 2013-04-16 [Amendment by Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 – Diário da República n.º 115/2015, Série I de 2015-06-16, em vigor a partir de 2015-07-01] |language=pt |website=dre.pt |access-date=24 July 2019}}</ref>
*{{As of|2018|January|1|df=UK}}, [[Lithuania]] raised its minimum drinking age from 18 to 20 years.<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption" />
* From January 2019 the federal states of [[Austria]] decided to align their drinking and purchase ages. The states [[Burgenland]], [[Lower Austria]] and [[Vienna]] therefore raised their age limits for alcohol beverages containing spirits to 18. Prior to 2019 these states had a general drinking and purchase age of 16 years. The sale and consumption of beer, wine and other fermented alcohol beverages is now prohibited to children and young people under the age of 16 years, and the sale and consumption of spirits to minors under the age of 18 years is prohibited throughout Austria.<ref name="austria">{{cite web|url=https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/jugendliche/jugendrechte/3/Seite.1740250.html|title=Österreichs digitales Amt: Rauchen und Alkohol|date=4 January 2019|language=de|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! rowspan="3" style="width:12%;" | Country
| [[Austria]]
! rowspan="3" style="width:12%;" | Administrative division
| align=center| 18
! colspan="4" style="width:20%;" |[[De jure]]
| align=center| 16 ([[beer]], [[wine]]), 18 ([[Distilled beverage|spirits]])
! rowspan="3" style="width:56%;" | Notes
|from the age of 14 it is permitted to drink alcohol provided by parents
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="width:10%;" | Drinking age<ref name="Eyes On Age">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/alcohol/docs/eyes_on_ages_report_en.pdf|title=EYES ON AGES – A research on alcohol age limit policies in European Member States. Legislation, enforcement and research. |publisher=Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy (STAP), European Commission |author=drs. J. Mulder, J. de Greeff MSc|access-date=28 July 2019}}</ref>
| [[Belarus]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
! colspan="2" style="width:10%;" | Purchase age
|
|-
|-
! style="width:5%;" | Private
| [[Belgium]]
! style="width:5%;" | Public
| colspan=2 align=center| 16
! style="width:5%;" | On-premise
| No minimum age to drink in private.
! style="width:5%;" | Off-premise
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Albania}}
| [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="albania">{{cite web|url=http://www.ishp.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/ligjet/Per-mbrojtjen-e-te-mitruve-nga-perdorimi-i-alkoolit.pdf|title=LIGJ Nr. 9518, datë 18.4.2006 – PËR MBROJTJEN E TË MITURVE NGA PËRDORIMI I ALKOOLIT [Law 9518 for the protection of minors from the use of alcohol (2006)] Art 4|website=ishp.gov.al|language=sq|access-date=24 July 2019}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="albania" />
| The sale of alcohol beverage in bars, restaurants or other licensed premises, as well as other points of sale, is prohibited to minors under the age of 18 years. Vendors and operators of licensed premises are required to post a clearly legible notice in A4 format stating "Ndalohet shitja e alkoolit personave nën 18 vjeç" (It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to people under 18 years). Consumption by those under age 18 in public places is prohibited.<ref name="albania" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Andorra}}
| [[Bulgaria]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="andorra" />
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="andorra">{{cite web |url=http://www.policia.ad/documentacio/venda_consum_begudes.pdf |title=Reglament pel qual es regulen determinats aspectes de la venda i el consum de begudes alcohòliques |language=ca |website=policia.ad |access-date=25 July 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128041535/http://www.policia.ad/documentacio/venda_consum_begudes.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="andorra" />
| Selling, serving or supplying alcohol beverages is prohibited as well as public consumption of alcohol beverage by minors under the age of 18 years.<ref name="andorra" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Armenia}}
| [[Croatia]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ" />
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=1392&lang=arm|title=CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATIONS|publisher=National Assembly|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
| There are no laws mandating alcohol vendors to ID potential underage drinkers. ID checks are very rarely, if ever, carried out<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ" /> Criminal Code the Republic of Armenia (2003), Article 166: "Involvement, by a person who reached 18 years, of a child into regular use of alcohol drinks... is punished with correctional labor for up to 1 year, or with arrest for the term of 1–2 months, or with imprisonment for the term of 5 years"
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Austria}}
| [[Cyprus]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 16
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None {{citation needed|date=April 2024}}
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(distilled beverages)</sup><ref name="austria" />
|
| The age limits are set out by the legislation of each federal state but were harmonized in January 2019.<ref name="austria" /> Carinthia also requires 16-18-year-olds to maintain a blood alcohol level below 0.05%.<ref name="Rauchen und Alkohol">[https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/174/Seite.1740250.html Rauchen und Alkohol] State legilations</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Azerbaijan}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə">{{cite web|url=http://archive.bakupost.az/sosium/20131002094909678.html|title=Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə|publisher=bakupost.az|access-date=22 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103171132/http://archive.bakupost.az/sosium/20131002094909678.html|archive-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə" />
| Law No. 499-IG on Children's Rights (1998)
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Belarus}}
| [[Czech Republic]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="МУС Беларусі прапануе забараніць курэнне і ўжыванне алкаголю для асоб, маладзейшых за 18 гадоў">{{cite web|url=http://www.pravo.by/document/?guid=3871&p0=h10800429|title=ЗАКОН РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ 27 августа 2008 г. № 429-З О государственном регулировании производства и оборота алкогольной, непищевой спиртосодержащей продукции и непищевого этилового спирта|publisher=Национальный правовой Интернет-портал Республики Беларусь|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="МУС Беларусі прапануе забараніць курэнне і ўжыванне алкаголю для асоб, маладзейшых за 18 гадоў" />
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Belgium}}
| [[Denmark]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique" />
| align=center| No minimum age outside bars. In bars 18.
| colspan="2" align="center" |18 for distilled beverages of higher than 1.2%ABV and [[fermented beverage]]s of higher than 22%ABV
| align=center| 16
16 for other alcohol beverages<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique">{{cite web|url=https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/sante/prenez-soin-de-vous/alcool-et-tabac/alcool|title=Alcool|date=27 January 2016|publisher=Service Public Federal|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
| If a shop fails to ask for an ID-card and they are identified having sold alcohol to an underage, they are fined. A national ID-card can be obtained in the local town hall in order for the youth to verify the youth age towards shops <Ref>[http://147.29.40.91/_GETDOC_/ACCN/A-REGL Law no. 213 af march 31, 2004]</Ref>. This card is rarely used though, since a passport or moped-licence can be used. <Ref>[http://www.dr.dk/Regioner/Bornholm/Nyheder/Andet/2006/07/06/.htm Danish ID-card is rarely used]</Ref> In 2007 some churches have started a campaign against the old Danish custom of introducing alcohol for the youth in relationship with his or her religious confirmation (Age 13-15).
| Since 10 January 2010, it is prohibited to "sell, serve, or offer" any distilled alcohol beverages to those under the age of 18 or any alcohol beverage to those under 16.<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique" /> Previously, it was prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to under-16s, but accompanying adults could buy drinks for them.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
| [[Estonia]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia">{{cite web |url=http://novi-informator.net/prodaja-alkoholnih-pi%C4%87-osobama-mla%C4%91im-od-18-godina |title=Prodaja alkoholnih pića osobama mlađim od 18 godina |publisher=jeunesetalcool.be |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
| Selling alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years is an offence. The law does not prohibit minors from buying, attempting to buy or consuming alcohol.<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia" />

* Law on Public Peace and Order (2015) Article 25 prohibits providing alcohol beverages to minors.
* Law on Internal Trade (2010), Article 10 prohibits the sale in the retail trade of alcohol beverages to persons under 18 years of age.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Bulgaria}}
| [[Finland]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години" />
| align=center| No legal drinking age, possession age same as purchase age
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години">{{cite web|url=https://www.lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2134925825|title=ЗАКОН ЗА ЗАКРИЛА НА ДЕТЕТО|publisher=Lex.bg|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135489147|title=ЗАКОН ЗА ЗДРАВЕТО|website=Lex.bg|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| 18 (shops and [[Alko]] stores up to 22% ABV and all alcohol in bars), 20 (over 22% ABV in [[Alko]] stores); alcohol may not be sold to intoxicated customers.
|It is prohibited to sell or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18.<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години" />
| Although consumption by minors is not prohibited, it is strictly limited to certain rare situations because of various statutes regarding possession and offering. Because of this, legal drinking age is often perceived to be 18 by the general public. Purchase age also applies to possession.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Croatia}}
| [[France]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Drinking age Croatia" />
| colspan=2 align=center| 16; for drinking strong liquor on premises: 18<ref>Code of public health: [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?commun=&code=CSANPUNL.rcv&art=L3342-1 L3342-1] « [In all places providing beverages either for immediate consumption or not] and all public places, it is prohibited to sell or offer alcoholic drinks to minors younger than 16, either for immediate consumption or for carrying away. ». [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?commun=&code=CSANPUNL.rcv&art=L3342-2 L3342-2] further restricts sales for immediate consumptions of certain categories of alcoholic drinks to adults over 18; these categories include mostly all alcohols stronger than cider, beer or wine, as defined in [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?commun=&code=CSANPUNL.rcv&art=L3321-1 L3321-1].
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Drinking age Croatia">{{cite web|url=https://www.zakon.hr/z/175/Zakon-o-trgovini|title=Zakon o trgovini|publisher=zakon.hr|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?commun=&code=CSANPUNL.rcv&art=L3342-3 L3342-3] prohibits receiving minors younger than 16 in premises selling alcohol unless they are with a parent, tutor, or other guardian over 18, except that minors at least 13 year old can be received in places selling only nonalcoholic or nearly nonalcoholic drinks (< 1.2°).</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age. There is no minimum age to buy or consume alcohol by law.<ref name="Drinking age Croatia" />
| It is not customary to request identification, unless the person is manifestly of inappropriate age. It is, however, a crime to sell alcohol to a minor under 16.<ref>[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?commun=&code=CSANPUNL.rcv&art=L3353-3 L3353-3] punishes sales of alcoholic drinks to minors under 16 by a fine, and also possibly imprisonment for repeat offenders.</ref> It is illegal for someone under the age of 16 to be at a bar without an adult, even if drinking a non-alcoholic drink.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Cyprus}}
| [[Germany]]
| colspan="2" align="center" |17<ref name="Drinking age Cyprus">{{cite web|url=http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/0_144/full.html|title=Ο περί Πωλήσεως Οινοπνευματοδών Ποτών Νόμος (ΚΕΦ.144)|publisher=CyLaw|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 16 (wine,beer), 18 (spirits)
| colspan="2" align="center" |18
| The legal drinking age does not apply when drinking in private. Minors in possession of alcohol are not punished; however, people who make alcohol available to minors are.
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years, and for those under 17 years old to consume alcohol beverages.<ref name="Drinking age Cyprus" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Czech Republic}}
| [[Gibraltar]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 16
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name=":6" />
| It is prohibited to provide alcohol to minors but consumption itself is not prohibited by law.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2017-65|title=Zákon č. 65/2017 Sb. Zákon o ochraně zdraví před škodlivými účinky návykových látek|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Denmark}}
| [[Greece]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="dansk">{{cite web|url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=210239|title=Bekendtgørelse af lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 18 år|website=www.retsinformation.dk|language=da|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| none
| align=center| 17
| align="center" |18<ref name="dansk" />
| align="center" |16 <sup>(beverages of <16.5% [[ABV]])</sup> <br /> 18 <sup>(beverages of ≥16.5% [[ABV]])</sup><ref name="dansk" />
| No legal age for drinking in private. Greece was always famous for having no legal age for buying alcohol, but this has recently been changed by the New Democracy government to 17, and has met much criticism.
| While there is no age requirement for drinking alcohol beverages in Denmark, there are laws that prohibit minors from buying alcohol from on-premise and off-premise outlets.

If a shop or bar fails to ask for an ID card and is identified as having sold alcohol to an underage person, it is subject to a fine. A national ID card, obtained in the local town hall, can serve as age verification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=9878 |title=Lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 16 år |language=da|access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref> This card is rarely used though since a passport or driver's license is more commonly used.<ref>[http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2006/07/01/.htm Få unge har købt legitimationskort] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127114344/http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2006/07/01/.htm |date=27 November 2011 }}, Danmarks Radio, 01. July 2006</ref>

Both the legal drinking and purchasing age in the Faroe Islands is 18.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alcohol|url=https://www.visitfaroeislands.com/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/alcohol/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Visit Faroe Islands}}</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Estonia}}
| [[Hungary]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="estonia">{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/832173|title=Alkoholiseadus|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| No minimum age
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="estonia" />
| align=center| 18
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. Alcohol found in possession of any child can be confiscated by the police.
|
|-
|[[Iceland]]
| align=center| none
| align=center| 20
|Possession or consumption of alcohol by minors is not an offence but supplying them with alcohol is. However, law allows alcohol possessed by a minor to be confiscated.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Finland}}
|[[Ireland]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18 <sup>(1.2–22% ABV)</sup><br />20 <sup>(>22% ABV)</sup><ref name="alkoholilaki">{{cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2017/20171102|title=Alkoholilaki|access-date=18 April 2022}}</ref>
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="alkoholilaki" />
|By law, only a [[passport]], [[driving licence]] or a[[Garda Síochána|Garda]] age card is accepted as proof of age (although not always asked for in practice). Purchasing alcohol for a minor is illegal (except by parents for consumption at home).
| style="text-align:center;" |18 <sup>(1.2–22% ABV)</sup><br />20 <sup>(>22% ABV)</sup><ref name="alkoholilaki" />
| All major grocery chains have implemented a policy to ask for ID if the customer looks under 30.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/if_you_look_under_30_get_your_id_out/6333481|title=If you look under 30, get your ID out|publisher=YLE News|date=12 October 2012|access-date=21 April 2013}}</ref> Stores may refuse to sell alcohol if the customer is accompanied by a minor, or if proxy purchasing is suspected. Purchasing alcohol on behalf of a minor is a criminal offence.<ref name="alkoholilaki" />

Police may search minors in public places and confiscate or destroy any alcohol beverages in their possession. Incidents are reported to the legal guardian and child protective services, who may intervene with child welfare procedures. In addition, those aged 15 or above are subject to a fine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2010/20100756#P17|title=Laki rikesakkorikkomuksista 756/2010 – Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö – FINLEX ®|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>

In private, offering alcohol to a minor is considered a criminal offence if it results in drunkenness and the act can be deemed reprehensible as a whole, considering the minor's age, degree of maturity and other circumstances.<ref name="alkoholilaki" />

|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|France}}
|[[Isle of Man]]
|align=center|5
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="SantePublique2">{{cite web|url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do;jsessionid=18ED9AC9EF67D77F5A2C0373B8E6B783.tpdjo08v_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006072665&idArticle=LEGIARTI000020895230&dateTexte=|title=Code de la santé publique – Article L3353-3|website=Legifrance|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
|align=center|18 (16)
|[[France]] has no explicitly stated consumption age, but selling alcohol beverages to a minor (under 18) is prohibited and can be fined 7500 [[euro]]s.<ref name="SantePublique2" /> However, the law is rarely enforced with authorities reporting extremely high numbers of teen alcohol consumption yearly.
|As in the [[United Kingdom]] it is only illegal for an adult to give alcohol to a child under 5 years, unless under medical supervision or you need it as if it is an emergency, but this gives an effective drinking age of 5. The age for buying and consumption of alcoholic beverages on licensed premises is 18; however, a person over the age of 16 may buy an alcoholic beverage with a substantial meal, as long as they are accompanied by a person over 18. <ref>[http://www.gov.im/infocentre/alcohol/chapter3.html {{lang|gv|''Reiltys Ellan Vannin''}} - Alcohol Strategy -]</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Georgia|Georgia (country)}}
|[[Italy]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Georgia" />
| align=center| 14
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Georgia">{{cite book|url=https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/15652?publication=4|title=კონსოლიდირებული ვერსია (საბოლოო)|date=31 October 2008|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| 16
| Under the Law on Protecting Minors from Harmful Influences 2001 the sale of alcohol beverages to minors is prohibited.<ref name="Georgia" /> Juvenile Justice Code (2015) Article 3 defines minors as those under 18.
|It is legal for 14-15 year olds to drink if the alcohol is provided by a parent or legal guardian. The age for purchasing alcohol is 16.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Germany}}
|[[Jersey]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
|colspan=2 align=center|18 <ref> [http://www.thisisjersey.com/code/showarticle.pl?ArticleID=] </ref>
| colspan="3" align="center" |14 <sup>(beer, wine and cider if accompanied)</sup><br />16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts)</sup><ref name="Germany">{{cite book |url=http://www.bmfsfj.de/RedaktionBMFSFJ/Abteilung5/Pdf-Anlagen/jschg-englisch,property=pdf,bereich=bmfsfj,sprache=de,rwb=true.pdf |title=Protection of Young Persons Act, Amendment by Article 3, Act |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>
|
|It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply fermented alcohol beverages (beer, wine, cider and sparkling wine) to anyone under 16 years of age. However this age limit drops down to 14 if a minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is generally prohibited to serve, sell or supply any beverage containing spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts, to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violation of the "Protection of Young Persons Act" can be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years.<br />{{See also|Alcohol laws in Germany}}{{See also|Protection of Young Persons Act (Germany)}}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Gibraltar}}
|[[Liechtenstein]]
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Gibraltar" />
| align="center" | 16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(spirits)</sup><ref name="Gibraltar" />
|
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Gibraltar" />
| It is prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18, other than the following two exceptions. The minimum age to be served in licensed premises is 16 if:<ref name="Gibraltar">[http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Gaming) Act 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721031927/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }} (Gibraltar Laws).</ref>

* The alcohol beverage is beer, wine or cider below 15% [[ABV]], '''or'''
* The alcohol beverage is served in a bottle, or a pre-packaged container below 5.5% [[ABV]].
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Greece}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008">{{cite web|url=https://www.kodiko.gr/nomologia/document_navigation/141125/nomos-3730-2008|title=ΝΟΜΟΣ 3730/2008 ΦΕΚ Με τις τελευταίες αλλαγές από το Νόμο 4633/2019|date=23 December 2008|website=Kodiko.gr|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| In 2008, the consumption of alcohol beverages was prohibited for minors in public. However, the law does not apply to private events or private premises.<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" /> However, the law is rarely enforced with authorities reporting very high numbers of teen alcohol consumption yearly.<ref>[https://movendi.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ACHP_FS_Greece.pdf Greece] movendi.ngo</ref> ID checks are rare.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Hungary}}
|[[Luxembourg]]
|colspan=2 align=center|16 / 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Iceland}}
|[[Latvia]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
|align=center|No minimum age
| colspan="2" align="center" |20<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.althingi.is/altext/stjt/1998.075.html|title=Áfengislög|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
|align=center|18
| Possession or consumption of alcohol by people under the age of 20 is not an offence, but police will contact parents of those under 18 and send a report to the child protection agency, supplying them with alcohol is an offence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in public places.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Ireland}}
|[[Lithuania]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Ireland">{{Cite web|url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/reference/checklists/checklist_at_what_age_can_i.html|title=At what age can I?|website=citizensinformation.ie|language=en|access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ireland" />
|
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Ireland" />
| It is prohibited for minors to buy alcohol or for a third party to attempt to buy it for minors. Minors are prohibited to drink in private residences unless it is with their parent or guardian's permission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/alcohol_and_the_law.html |title=Alcohol and the law |publisher=Citizensinformation.ie |date=7 March 2012 |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Italy}}
|[[Republic of Macedonia|Macedonia]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria" />
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.altalex.com/documents/leggi/2012/11/12/dl-sanita-la-legge-di-conversione-del-decreto-balduzzi|title=DL sanità: La legge di conversione del decreto Balduzzi Legge, 08/11/2012 n° 189, G.U. 10/11/2012|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=Altalex}}</ref><ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria" />
|
| In 2012 the then Health Minister Renato Balduzzi proposed to raise the age to 18.<ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria">{{cite web|url=http://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/dettaglioAtto.spring?id=43801&completo=true|title=Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria|author=Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato S.p.A.|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> Selling alcohol to those under the age of 18 in shops carries a fine between €250 and €1000. Serving alcohol beverages to those under the age of 16 is a criminal offense and is punished with prison up to one year, if the individual is 16 or 17 it will be treated as an offense that is fined between €250 and €1000 ''(Legge n. 189/2013)''.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Kosovo}}
|[[Malta]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
|align=center| No minimum age
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=2853|title=LIGJI NR. 04/L-121 PËR MBROJTJEN E KONSUMATORIT|website=gzk.rks-gov.net|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|align=center|16
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Latvia}}
|[[Moldova]]
|colspan=2 align=center|No minimum age (beer),<br> 18 (wine and spirits)
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums">{{cite news|url=https://likumi.lv/ta/id/88009|title=Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums|date=1 May 2004|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=likumi.lv}}</ref>
|
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to any minor under the age of 18 years. Persons between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to present an identity document to the retailer when purchasing alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether the retailer has requested it. There is no minimum age to consume or possess alcohol.<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Liechtenstein}}
|[[Montenegro]]
| colspan="4" align="center" |18 <sup>(spirits and spirit-based beverages)</sup>
|align=center|No minimum age

|align=center|18
16 <sup>(other alcohol beverages)</sup><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gesetze.li/chrono/2009029000|title=Kinder- und Jugendgesetz (KJG) vom 10. Dezember 2008|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
|
| Spirits and alcopops may be sold only to people at least 18, and other alcohol beverages to people at least 16. Consumption and possession is prohibited at the same ages.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Lithuania}}
|[[Netherlands]]
| colspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |20<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption">{{cite news|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.9E5C5C16B6E6/asr|title=Lietuvos Respublikos alkoholio kontrolės įstatymas|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=e-tar.lt}}</ref>
|align=center|No minimum age
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 20 years. People under the age of 20 are prohibited from consuming alcohol beverages or from possessing them. The minimum age was raised from 18 to 20 in 2018.<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption" />
|align=center|16 (under 15% ABV),<br>18 (15% ABV and over)
|If a shop fails to ask for an ID-card and they are identified having sold alcohol to an underage, they are fined. No minimum age to drink in private with a parent/guardian.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Luxembourg}}
|[[Norway]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans." />
|align=center|18/20
| colspan="2" align="center" |16<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans.">{{cite web|url=http://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/loi/2006/12/22/n11/jo|title=RECUEIL DE LEGISLATION – A –– N° 237 29 décembre 2006|date=29 September 2006|publisher=legilux.public.lu|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
|align=center|18 (under 22% ABV),<br> 20 (22% ABV and over)
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages of >1.2% ABV to any person under the age of 16 years. Violation is fined €251 to €1,000.<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans." />
|Beer, cider and alcopops can be bought in any store, while all beverages above 4.7% must be bought at [[Vinmonopolet|The Wine Monopoly]]. No serving alcohol to people under 18.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Malta}}
| [[Poland]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="malta" />
| align="center" | 17<ref name="malta" />
| Selling alcohol to people already drunk is illegal. If an underage person is caught with alcohol, they get arrested (loosely enforced).
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |17<ref name="malta">{{cite web|url=http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8575|title=CAP 10 Code of Police Laws|publisher=justiceservices.gov.mt|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| Must provide identification upon request.

|[[Portugal]]
| colspan=2 align=center|16
|If a shop fails to ask for an ID-card and they are identified having sold alcohol to an underage, they are fined. People suffering from [[mental illness]] or already extremely inebriated cannot purchase or obtain alcoholic beverages.
|-
|[[Romania]]
| align=center| No minimum age
| align=center|18
| Sale of all distilled spirits is illegal for those under 18. Advertising distilled alcohol is forbidden during the day (between 5:00 and 22:00). All restrictions apply on sale and distribution to underage persons, not consumption.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Moldova}}
|[[Russia]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100">{{cite web|url=http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=334893&lang=1 |title=LEGE Nr. 1100 din 30.06.2000 cu privire la fabricarea şi circulaţia alcoolului etilic şi a producţiei alcoolice – Art. 30 |publisher=lex.justice.md |date=15 October 2010|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
|colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
| It is prohibited to sell, or serve alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Montenegro}}
|[[Serbia]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;background:Gainsboro" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Netherlands}}
|[[Slovakia]]
| align=center| No minimum age
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0002458/2017-12-31|title=Drank- en Horecawet|website=wetten.nl|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| 18
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name=":4" />
| Only the seller can be punished.
| The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcohol beverages was raised from 16 to 18 in 2014. Selling alcoholic beverages to people under 18 is prohibited, while buying alcoholic beverages for someone else under the age of 18 is also prohibited.<ref name=":4" />
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|North Macedonia}}
|[[Slovenia]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="northernmacedonia" />
| align=center| No minimum age
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="northernmacedonia">{{cite web|url=https://www.pravdiko.mk/zakon-za-trgovija/|title=Закон за трговија|publisher=pravdiko.mk|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center| 18
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Norway}}
|[[Spain]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/aid/dok/regpubl/otprp/19961997/Otprp-nr-7-1996-97-/16/3.html?id=299088 |title=Proposition to Odelstinget rejecting the idea of holding minors criminally responsible for the purchase or consumption of alcohol |date=11 October 1996 |publisher=Regjeringen.no |access-date=20 June 2009}}</ref>
| align=center| 16
| colspan="2" align="center" |18 <sup>(<22% ABV)</sup> <br /> 20 <sup>(≥22% [[ABV]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1989-06-02-27|title=Lov om omsetning av alkoholholdig drikk m.v. (alkoholloven) – Lovdata|website=lovdata.no}}</ref></sup>
| align=center| 18
| Alcohol possessed by minors may be confiscated as evidence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in recreational areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://oslopuls.aftenposten.no/restaurant_uteliv/article233583.ece|title=Police: It's okay to drink in public parks|newspaper=Aftenposten|date=2 July 2009|access-date=2 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503064136/http://oslopuls.aftenposten.no/restaurant_uteliv/article233583.ece|archive-date=3 May 2010}}</ref>
| Regional drinking age in the Autonomous Community of [[Castile and León]], 18.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Poland}}
|[[Sweden]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="tekst jednolity: Dz. U. 2002 r. Nr 147 poz. 1231" />
| colspan=2 align=center|18 (bars and restaurants, beer with 2.25% - 3.5% (volume) alcohol in shops), 20 ([[Systembolaget]] stores) [http://www.systembolaget.se/Applikationer/Knappar/InEnglish/Rules+on+selling.htm]
| align="center" |None <sup>(within designated drinking zones)</sup><br />Prohibited <sup>(elsewhere)</sup>
| See also [[alcohol in Sweden]]. Bars/clubs often voluntarily choose to have higher age limits than 18, commonly 20 or 23.
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="tekst jednolity: Dz. U. 2002 r. Nr 147 poz. 1231">{{cite web|url=http://prawo.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU19820350230|title=Ustawa z dnia 26 października 1982 r. o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi|website=ISAP – Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych|language=pl|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Article 15 of The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parpa.pl/download/ustawaang.pdf |title=The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism. |language=en |access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref> prohibits sale or serving of alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 and that if doubt exists as to age, sellers/servers should require ID as proof of age.
Drinking in public places, with the exception of designated drinking zones, is prohibited regardless of age.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Portugal}}
|[[Switzerland]]
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="1 de Julho: nova legislação sobre o álcool e a vacina Prevenar em vigor" />
| colspan=2 align=center|16 for wine, beer and cider <br> 16-18 (varies from canton to canton) for spirits & spirit-based cocktails ie. [[alcopops]]
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="1 de Julho: nova legislação sobre o álcool e a vacina Prevenar em vigor">{{cite web|url=http://www.sicad.pt/PT/FNAS/Documents/DL_106_2015.pdf|title=MINISTÉRIO DA SAÚDE Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 de 16 de junho|language=pt|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Romania}}
|[[Ukraine]]
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="romania" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="romania">{{cite web|url=http://www.euroavocatura.ro/legislatie/853/Legea_61_1991__republicata_2011_,_pentru_sanctionarea_faptelor_de_incalcare_a_unor_norme_de_convietuire_sociala,_a_ordinii_si_linistii_publice|title=Legea nr. 61/1991 (Actualizata 2008), pentru sanctionarea faptelor de incalcare a unor norme de convietuire sociala, a ordinii si linistii publice|date=June 2011|language=ro|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 14 years in an amount which is resulting death to one is punished with imprisonment for 3 to 12 years.
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Russia}}
|[[United Kingdom]]
| align=center|5
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=https://legalacts.ru/doc/171_FZ-o-gosudarstvennom-regulirovanii-proizvodstva-i-oborota-jetilovogo-spirta_-alkogolnoj-i-spirtosoderzhawej-produkcii/|title=Федеральный закон от 22.11.1995 N 171-ФЗ (ред. от 01.05.2019) "О государственном регулировании производства и оборота этилового спирта, алкогольной и спиртосодержащей продукции и об ограничении потребления (распития) алкогольной продукции"|language=ru|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| align=center|18 (16)
| The legal purchase age limits are 18.
|The legal age to purchase alcohol is 18. People aged 16 and 17, with the licensee's permission, may consume wine, beer or cider with a table meal in specific areas of the premises, providing they're with an adult and the adult orders it. The legal age for the purchase of liqueur chocolates is 16. The legal age for drinking in one's home is 5 provided parental consent is given. Children under 5 must not be given alcohol unless for medical or religious reasons.[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/YourChildsHealth/DG_10026210]
|}
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|San Marino}}

| colspan="2" rowspan="3" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
===Oceania===
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |16<ref name="IARD" />
{| class="wikitable"
|Criminal Code Article 165
! rowspan=2 | Country / region
! colspan=2 | [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 | Notes
|-
! Drinking Age
! Purchase Age
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Serbia}}
| [[Australia]]
|18
| align=center| No minimum age
|18
| align=center| 18
|Possession of alcohol is regulated by Article 23 of Consumer protection law which prohibits selling, serving and giving alcohol to a person under the age of 18.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=Закон о заштити потрошача: ("Sl. glasnik RS", br. 88/2021-3) |trans-title=Consumer protection law |url=https://www.pravno-informacioni-sistem.rs/SlGlasnikPortal/eli/rep/sgrs/skupstina/zakon/2021/88/1/reg |access-date=22 October 2019 |website=Правно информациони систем}}</ref> However, the law is loosely enforced.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gudelj Rakić |first1=Jelena |url=https://www.batut.org.rs/download/publikacije/IstrazivanjeHBSC2022.pdf |title=Резултати истраживањa понашањa у вези са здрављем деце школског узраста у Републици Србији 2022. године |last2=Jovanović |first2=Verica |last3=Kilibarda |first3=Biljana |last4=Vasić |first4=Milena |last5=Tošić |first5=Marijana |last6=Boričić |first6=Katarina |publisher=Институт за јавно здравље Србије "Др Милан Јовановић Батут" |year=2023 |isbn=978-86-7358-129-3 |location=Belgrade |pages=47–49 |language=sr |trans-title=Health Behaviour in School-aged Children, HBSC.}}</ref>
| It is illegal to buy, drink or possess alcohol if under 18 on licensed premises, but states allow drinking or possessing alcohol on private premises for people under the age of 18 (under the supervision of an adult[s]). In NSW there is no law against minors possessing or drinking alcohol on private premises, but there are laws against supplying or selling alcohol to a minor, as well as against minors "carrying away" alcohol from a licensed club.<ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/la1982107/s115.html] - Section 115 of the Liquor Act 1982 (NSW)</ref><ref>[http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/liquor_info_young_people_underage_offcns.asp] - Underage drinking offences, NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing]</ref>Minors may be on licensed premises accompanied by a parent or guardian (but not purchase alcohol) and parents can provide alcohol with a meal on licensed premises. In Victoria, if a minor is caught with alcohol it will be confiscated and guardians notified of the offense, and a fine may occur. It is also illegal to provide minors with alcohol, and one can be fined by it if caught in the act. It is illegal to buy alcohol if already drunk, and to supply alcohol to such a person. <ref>[http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/alcohol/key_issues/alcohol_and_young_people Alcohol and young people] - New South Wales police</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Slovakia}}
| [[Fiji]]
|18
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
|18
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Slovenia}}
| [[Guam]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18 On N.Islands is 21
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="slovenia" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="slovenia">{{cite web |url=http://www.nalijem.si/o-alkoholu/alkohol-in-zakoni |title= Zákon o ochrane pred zneužívaním alkoholických nápojov a o zriaďovaní a prevádzke protialkoholických záchytných izieb |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|18
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Spain}}
| [[Palau]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mscbs.gob.es/alcoholJovenes/legislacion/legislacionEstatal.htm|title=Alcohol and youth – Legislation|website=Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
|Autonomous region Balearic Islands does not have legislation on legal purchase age limits.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Sweden}}
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background:Gainsboro" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="swe2010" /><ref name="sweden">{{cite web|url=https://vanligafragor.systembolaget.se/org/systembolaget/d/varfor-ar-det-18-arsgrans-pa-restaurang-och-krogen/|title=Systembolaget FAQ: Why is there an 18-year age limit on the pub but a 20-year age limit for Systembolaget?|website=Systembolaget|publisher=Systembolaget.se|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
| align="center" |None Under 2.25% ABV
20<ref name="swe2010" /> 18 <sup>(beer, above 2.25% ABV and below or equal to 3.5% ABV)</sup>
|{{See also|Alcohol in Sweden}} It is legal for anyone at any age to drink,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ÄR DET OLAGLIGT ATT DRICKA ALKOHOL OM MAN ÄR UNDER 18 ÅR?|trans-title=IS IT ILLEGAL TO DRINK ALCOHOL IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD?|language=sv |website=lawline |url=https://lawline.se/answers/ar-det-olagligt-att-dricka-alkohol-om-man-ar-under-18-ar |access-date=2022-05-06}}</ref> but off-premise sale or supply to anyone under the age of 20 is prohibited and on-premise establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol beverages to anyone under 18. It is legal to serve an underage person alcohol in a private place, provided it's a limited amount and done in moderation.<ref name="swe2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/alkohollag-20101622_sfs-2010-1622|title=3 Kap. 7§ Alkohollag (2010:1622)|access-date=27 June 2018}}</ref> The reason for the lower limit in bars than in Systembolaget shops is that bartenders have a legal responsibility for how drunk a guest gets.<ref name="sweden" /> [[Beer classification in Sweden and Finland|Class II]] beer (up to 3.5% ABV), called folköl ("people's beer"), is sold in regular stores, but with the minimum purchase age of 18.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Langning av alkohol - lagar och fakta |language=sv |website=Polismyndigheten |url=https://polisen.se/lagar-och-regler/lagar-och-fakta-om-brott/langning-av-alkohol/ |access-date=2023-07-31}}</ref> Class I beer (2.25% ABV and under) has no age restriction.
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{flag|Switzerland}}
|{{flag|Switzerland}} (federal law)
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |16 <sup>(fermented beverages with up to 15% ABV and natural wines with up to 18% ABV)</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20050153/index.html#a11 |title=817.02 Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung Art. 11 |publisher=admin.ch |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref><br /> 18 <sup>(spirits)</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a41 |title=680 Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser Art. 41 IV. 1. i. |publisher=admin.ch |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 16 years in an amount which is harmful to one's health is punished with imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19370083/201501010000/311.0.pdf |title=311.0 Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch vom 21. Dezember 1937 (Stand am 1. Januar 2015) – Art. 411 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Council |access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> Whoever sells or supplies spirits to a person under the age of 18 years is punished with a fine up to 10,000 CHF.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a57 |title=680 Bundesgesetz vom 21. Juni 1932 über die gebrannten Wasser (Alkoholgesetz) – Art. 57 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Council |access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Ticino}}
| colspan="2" align="center" |18
| Canton [[Ticino]] prohibits the selling of any type of alcohol beverage to minors under the age of 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.ti.ch/CAN/RLeggi/public/index.php/raccolta-leggi/pdfatto/atto/628 |title=RL 942.100 Legge sugli esercizi alberghieri e sulla ristorazione del 1° giugno 2010 (stato 15 giugno 2017) – art. 23 cpv. 1 lit. a |language=it |website=ti.ch |access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Ukraine}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Law No. 1824-VI on state regulation of production and turnover of ethyl, cognac and fruit, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products Article 15-3
|-
| rowspan="4" |{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|{{flag|England}} <br /> {{flag|Wales}}
| align="center" | 5<ref name="uk">{{Cite web|title=Licensing Act 2003|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/contents|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="drinkaware">{{Cite web|title=The law on alcohol and under-18s|url=https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-law/the-law-on-alcohol-and-under-18s|access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref>
| align="center" | 18<ref name="uk" /><br />16 <sup>(beer, wine or cider with a table meal and if accompanied by adult)</sup><ref name="scotland" />
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="uk" />
|
|
* It’s illegal to give a child under the age of 5 alcohol.
* It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcohol beverages in licensed premises to anyone under the age of 18,.<ref name="uk" />
* Minors are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages in public, except that those aged 16–17 may consume beer, wine, or cider on licensed premises when at a table meal with an adult who is accompanying them.
* Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcohol beverages.
|-
|-
|{{flag|Scotland}}
| [[Solomon Islands]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| align="center" |5<ref name="drinkaware"/>
| align="center" | 18<ref name="scotland">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law|title=Alcohol and young people – GOV.UK|website=gov.uk|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref><br />16 <sup>(beer, wine, cider or perry along with a meal if purchased by an adult)</sup><ref name="scotland" />
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="scotland"/>
|
|
* It’s illegal to give a child under the age of 5 alcohol.
* It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18, and liqueur confectionery to anyone under the age of 16.<ref name="Licensing Act 2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/16/part/8/crossheading/offences-relating-to-children-and-young-people|title=Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>
* Minors are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages in public, except for those aged 16–17, who may consume beer, wine, cider, or perry on licensed premises along with a meal.
*Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcoholic beverages.<ref name="UK Duty Free">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu|title=Bringing goods into the UK – 3. Arrivals from outside the EU|website=gov.uk|access-date=17 June 2017}}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{flag|Northern Ireland|}}
| [[Vanuatu]]
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
| align="center" | 14
| align="center" | 18
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18
|
|
* It is illegal for persons under 14 to drink alcohol except in a private house and then only for medical purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-23 |title=Alcohol, young people under 18 and the law {{!}} nidirect |url=https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/alcohol-young-people-under-18-and-law |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.nidirect.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. Minors are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages in public.
|-
|-
| colspan="5" |{{flag|United Kingdom}}
| [[Tonga]]
|Under the [[British Beer and Pub Association|BBPA]]'s [[Challenge 21|Challenge 21 and Challenge 25]] schemes, customers attempting to buy alcohol beverages are asked to prove their age if in the retailer's opinion they look under 21<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beerandpub.com/campaigns/challenge-21/|title=Challenge 21|website=British Beer and Pub Association}}</ref> (or optionally 25) even though the law states they must be a minimum of 18. Many supermarket and off-licence chains display Challenge 21 (or Challenge 25) notices stating that they will not serve people who look under 21 (or 25) without ID.
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
|}

==Oceania==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Australia}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|{{main|Alcohol laws of Australia}}All states restrict purchasing to over 18, but exceptions may apply if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The government-supported Youth Law Australia portal offers details on consumption and supply age limits by state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yla.org.au/nsw/topics/teen-issues/alcohol/|title=Teen issues: Alcohol|website=Youth Law Australia|publisher=Department of Health Victoria|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Fiji}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Fiji">{{cite web|url=https://www.laws.gov.fj/Acts/DisplayAct/273|title=Liquor Act 2006|date=1 August 2018|publisher=Fijitimes.com|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017200211/https://www.laws.gov.fj/Acts/DisplayAct/273|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| The drinking age was previously 21 but was lowered to 18 in 2009.<ref name="Fiji"/>
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Kiribati}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
|Liquor Ordinance 1973 Art 11
Liquor (Amendment) Act 12-2005 Art 27
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Marshall Islands}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
|Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 1971 Art 111(i)
Alcohol Restriction Act of 1994 Art 202(1)
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{flag|Micronesia, Federated States of}}
| {{flag|Chuuk}} <br /> {{flag|Kosrae}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>Draft Chuuk State Code (2012) Section 1307(1) – unenacted draft code citing source laws</ref><ref>Kosrae State Code (1997), Sections S.1.201(44) and 13.517(3)</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| {{flag|Pohnpei}} <br /> {{flag|Yap}}
| [[Tokelau]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref>Code of the State of Pohnpei (2012), Section 2-109</ref><ref>Yap State Code (1987), Section 405</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center| 18
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nauru}}
|[[New Zealand]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
| align=center| No minimum **
|Liquor Ordinance 1967 Art 33
| align=center| 18
| Alcohol can only be sold by licensed premises but there is no obligation to serve any person. It is illegal to purchase alcohol if already drunk. Drinking on public transport is prohibited, unless the vehicle (e.g. ship, train) holds a liquor license. ** Minors (under 18's) can be fined if they drink alcohol in public places, without a parent or guardian present. Minors can drink alcohol in a public place if they are accompanied and it is provided by their parent or guardian; this includes licensed premises, such as restaurants, and at private social gatherings, but excludes designated restricted areas, where under 18's are not permitted. While there are extensive laws prohibiting alcohol purchase by any person under 18 years of age, to actually drink alcohol (without the element of purchasing) is NOT currently an offence. On [[8 November]] [[2006]] the [[New Zealand Parliament]] rejected a bill to return the legal age to 20 after significant lobbying by the Keepit18 group [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10409882] and others.
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|New Zealand}}
| [[Samoa]]
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None || style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>{{cite web |title=Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 |url=https://www.alcohol.org.nz/management-laws/nz-alcohol-laws/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol-act-2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107224304/https://www.alcohol.org.nz/management-laws/nz-alcohol-laws/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol-act-2012 |archive-date=7 November 2019 |access-date=17 October 2019 |publisher=alcohol.org.nz}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| Minimum age applies for beverages with 1.15% ABV or over; no restrictions on beverages less than 1.15% ABV.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0063/latest/DLM165121.html#DLM165121 |title= 2 Interpretation – Sale of Liquor Act 1989 No 63 (as at 01 July 2011), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation Online |publisher=Parliamentary Counsel Office |date=1 July 2011 |access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref><br />Persons under 18 may drink outside private residences or private functions if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Alcohol may be supplied to minors only by, or with express consent from, their parent or legal guardian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/advice-on-alcohol/for-parents/the-law-about-supply-to-young-people |title=The law about supply to young people |publisher=Alcohol.org.nz |access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref>
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Palau}}
| [[Papua New Guinea]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="Palau Alcoholic Beverage Control Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pw/legis/consol_act/babrt11389/|title=Alcoholic Beverage Control Act – § 1068. Sale or distribution to minors; purchase, possession, or consumption by minors.|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a person under 21 years of age. Minors may access a bar or licensed premises only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors buying, consuming or attempting to buy alcohol are committing an offence. The law provides an exception for the consumption of alcohol by minors as part of a religiously recognized ceremony.<ref name="Palau Alcoholic Beverage Control Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="postcourier.com.pg">{{Cite web|date=13 March 2017|title=Underage drinking is a public health problem|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/underage-drinking-is-a-public-health-problem/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Post Courier|language=en-US}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for a minor to purchase, consume or attempt to purchase alcohol beverages. Any licence holder has to ensure that the customer who he sells or serves alcohol to, is at least 18 years of age. Violation of this law is punishable by a fine.<ref name="postcourier.com.pg"/> ''Liquor Licensing Act (1963) Art 102–103''
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Samoa}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="Samoa Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.palemene.ws/new/wp-content/uploads/01.Acts/Acts%202011/Liquor_Act_2011_-_Eng.pdf|title=Liquor Act 2011 – Section 14|publisher=Parliament of Samoa|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016185321/http://www.palemene.ws/new/wp-content/uploads//01.Acts/Acts%202011/Liquor_Act_2011_-_Eng.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/> "does not apply to a licensee of a food and beverage license provided that the person under the age of 21 years is under the supervision of an attending parent."
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/>
| align="center" |21<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/sb/criminal-law/ch50-liquor-act.htm|title=Section 72 of the Liquor Act (Ch. 144)|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Tokelau}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>[http://www.paclii.org/cgi-bin/sinodisp/tk/legis/num_act/cpaer2003302/cpaer2003302.html Crimes, Procedure and Evidence Rules 2003], s50(3).</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tonga}}
| [[Kiribati]]
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Tonga Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1950/1950-0025/IntoxicatingLiquorAct_2.pdf?zoom_highlight=Intoxicating+Liquor+Act#search=%22Intoxicating%20Liquor%20Act%22|title=INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT – Section 65|publisher=The Kingdom of Tonga, Attorney General's Office|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| colspan=2 align=center|18
| Selling, serving or supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 years is prohibited. It is also prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol in any public place and any violation of this law is punishable by a $1,000 fine.<ref name="Tonga Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | {{USA}}
|''{{flag|American Samoa}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref>{{cite web|title=ALCOHOL REFORM ISSUES PAPER|url=http://www.samoalawreform.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Reform-Issues-Paper-Final.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917184910/http://www.samoalawreform.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Reform-Issues-Paper-Final.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2014|website=samoalawreform.gov.ws|publisher=Samoa Law Reform Commission|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
|''{{flag|Guam}}''
| [[American Samoa]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 21<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drinking age raised to 21 on Guam|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/guam/drinking-age-raised-to-21-on-guam-1.110333|access-date=13 March 2021|website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref>
| colspan=i like boobs align=center|18
|As of July 2010, the drinking age in the territory of Guam has been raised to 21.
|-
|''{{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref name="Northern Mariana Islands Public Law 19-84">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/19/pl19-84.pdf|title=H. B. No. 19-141 HDI SSI|publisher=cnmilaw.org|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Vanuatu}}

| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Vanuatu Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/vu/legis/consol_act/lla190/|title=Liquor Licensing Act – Section 17|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is unlawful to sell, serve or supply alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is fined up to VT 25,000 or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or by both, fine and imprisonment. Any minor under the age of 18 years, being found in possession or consumption of alcohol is fined up to VT 10,000.<ref name="Vanuatu Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|}
|}


== See also ==
{{Lists of countries}}
{{Youth rights sidebar}}

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
==General references==
* [[Age of candidacy]]
A. {{cite web |url=http://www.icap.org/PolicyIssues/YoungPeoplesDrnking/AgeLawsTable/tabid/219/Default.aspx |title=Minimum Drinking and Purchasing Age Laws |accessdate=2007-09-17 |date=February 2007 |publisher=International Center for Alcohol Policies}}<br>
* [[Alcohol consumption by youth in the United States]]
B. {{cite web |url=http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/alcoholpolicycountryprofiles/en/index.html |title=Global Status Report: Alcohol Policy - Country Profiles |accessdate=2007-09-17 |publisher=[[World Health Organization]]}}
* [[Alcoholism]]
* [[Amethyst Initiative]]
* [[Choose Responsibility]]
* [[Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility]]
* [[Gambling age]]
* [[Legal drinking age controversy in the United States|Legal drinking age controversy (USA)]]
* [[Mature minor doctrine]]
* [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]]
* [[National Youth Rights Association]]
* [[Shoulder tap (alcohol)]]
* [[Smoking age]]
* [[Youth rights]]
* [[Youth suffrage]]
* [[Youth]]
{{div col end}}
{{Clear}}


==References==
==Specific references==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="tripsavvy.com">{{Cite web|title=What's the Legal Drinking Age in Asia?|website=TripSavvy |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/legal-drinking-age-in-asia-3149734|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812190520/https://www.tripsavvy.com/legal-drinking-age-in-asia-3149734|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160504144607/http://www.iard.org/policy-tables/minimum-legal-age-limits/ Minimum legal age limits] online table updated on a rolling basis, [[International Alliance for Responsible Drinking]]
* [http://www.madd.org/stats MADD Online: Stats & Resources]


{{Law country lists}}
[[Category:drinking culture]]
{{Alcohol and health}}
[[Category:United States law]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Legal Drinking Age}}
[[Category:Alcohol]]
[[Category:Legal drinking age|*]]
[[Category:Alcohol law]]
[[Category:Alcohol law]]
[[Category:Drinking culture]]
[[Category:Juvenile law]]
[[Category:Juvenile law]]
[[Category:Ageism]]
[[Category:Law-related lists|Drinking age]]
[[Category:Youth rights]]
[[Category:Lists by country]]
[[Category:Minimum ages|Drinking age]]

Latest revision as of 12:44, 24 May 2024

Minimum legal age to purchase alcohol by country:
  Prohibited
  25 or older
  25 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 21)
  21
  21 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)
  20
  20 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)
  19
  18
  18 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 16)
  17
  16
  15 or younger
  No regulation/no age set

The legal drinking age is the minimum age at which a person can legally consume alcoholic beverages. The minimum age alcohol can be legally consumed can be different from the age when it can be purchased in some countries. These laws vary between countries and many laws have exemptions or special circumstances. Most laws apply only to drinking alcohol in public places with alcohol consumption in the home being mostly unregulated (one of the exceptions being England and Wales, which have a minimum legal age of five for supervised consumption in private places). Some countries also have different age limits for different types of alcohol drinks.[1]

The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18.[2] The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is the effect on the brain in adolescents. Since the brain is still maturing, alcohol can have a negative effect on the memory and long-term thinking. Alongside that, it can cause liver failure, and create a hormone imbalance in teens due to the constant changes and maturing of hormones during puberty.[3] Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in high schools,[4] while others like the United States have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 (18 in P.R. and USVI) in an effort to reduce the amount of drunk driving rates among teenagers and young adults.[5]

There is a concept called underage clubs, where individuals below the legal drinking age are catered for and are served non alcoholic beverages.[6][7]

Africa[edit]

The most common minimum age to purchase alcohol in Africa is 18. However, Angola (except Luanda Province), Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali have no laws on the books restricting the sale of alcohol to minors. In Libya, Somalia and Sudan the sale, production and consumption of alcohol is completely prohibited.[improper synthesis?]

Country State/ region/ province De jure Notes
Drinking age Purchase age
 Algeria None[8] 18[9] Order No. 26-75 (1975), Article 14
 Angola None[10] There is no national legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.
Luanda Province 18[11] Legislation in Luanda Province: It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. It is also prohibited for minors to buy and consume alcohol.[11]
 Benin None 20 Republic of Benin Report to UN Committee on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/BEN/2 (2005):
  • Article 8 of the decree of 10 June 1942 regulating the production, import, advertisement, sale, and consumption of alcohol beverages in French West Africa, prohibits the sale or free supply of alcohol beverages to minors under 20.
  • Article 13 stipulates fines ranging from CFAF 200,000 to CFAF 1 million for such offences, doubled in the case of repeat offences.
  • There are no official measures prohibiting children from consuming alcohol, tobacco or other substances harmful to their health.
 Botswana None[12] (prohibited for any person to supply)[10] 18[12] It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years. Since the law only applies to licenses, it is not prohibited for minors to buy, consume, or possess alcohol beverages.[12] It is also prohibited for any person to expose or supply alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years.[10]
 Burundi None[13] 18 (unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian)[13] It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years.
 Cameroon 21
18 (if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older)[14]
It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. The law permits adults from the ages 18 to 21 to consume, purchase and buy alcohol beverages if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older. Anyone over the age of 21 years may buy or consume alcohol unaccompanied.
 Cape Verde None[15] 18[15] It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
 Central African Republic 15 (off-premises), or 21 (on-premises)[16] It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 15 years when sold or supplied off-premises (e.g., liquor stores, wine stores, and supermarkets). It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 21 years when sold or supplied on-premises (e.g., restaurants, bars, and cafes).[16]
 Chad None 18 Law 2017-01 Penal Code Chapter 6 Articles 376–378 establish penalties for licensees who permit entry to youth below age 16 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, sell or offer alcohol beverages to youth below age 18 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, or serve a person below age 18 to intoxication.
 Comoros 18[17] It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.[17]
 Democratic Republic of the Congo 18
 Djibouti None
 Egypt 21 Law No. 371 of 1956 concerning public shops and the resolutions implementing it
 Equatorial Guinea 21[18]
 Eritrea None[19] 18[19] It is prohibited for any person to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
 Eswatini 18[10] Liquor Licenses Act (1964) Section 27
 Ethiopia 21[20] 21[21] It is prohibited for any person to sell, offer, serve or allow to serve alcohol beverages "in substantial quantities" to any infant or young person. The criminal code defines a young person as any person under the age of 18 years. But the Criminal Code Proclamation 414 (2004) states: "Whoever endangers the health of another, intentionally and unscrupulously, by administering or serving, or by causing or permitting to be administered or served, to minors (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years) (...) alcohol beverages or spirituous liquors of such kind or in such quantity as to make their injurious effect certain or probable, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, and fine."

The Revised Family Code Proclamation No. 213 (2000) Article 215 defines a minor as anyone who has not attained the full age of 18.

In 2019, the Ethiopian parliament passed a bill that bans a specific category of alcohol advertising in the media and also increases the age limit for purchasing alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age.

 Gabon None 18 Penal Code (1963), Article 209bis-1
 Gambia None[22][10] 16[22][10] Under the Liquor License Act (1957) it is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to "anyone under the apparent age of 16".

A "young person" is defined as anyone under the age of 17 by the Children and Young Persons Act, 1949 Section 2.

 Ghana None 18[23]
 Guinea-Bissau None[10]
 Kenya None[24] 18[24] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
 Lesotho 18[25] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a minor under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for minors to consume, buy or attempt to buy alcohol.
 Liberia None 18 It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years; "this section shall not apply to a parent or guardian who serves an alcoholic beverage to his child or ward" Penal Law of 1976 Sec 16.
 Libya Prohibited for all ages[26] Previously Article 498 of the Libyan Penal Code prohibited the sale of alcohol beverages to juveniles under the age of 16 years.[10]
 Malawi None 18[27] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
 Mauritania Prohibited for all ages[28]
 Mauritius None 18[29] It is prohibited to sell, serve, or supply alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
 Morocco None Restricted to non-Muslims
16 for non-Muslims
Prohibited for Muslims
Legislative Decision No. 3.177.66 of 1967 Art 28–29
 Mozambique 18[30] Decree 54/2013 Regulations on the Control of the Production, Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2013), Article 5 (Prohibitions)
 Namibia None 18[31] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
 Niger 18 Penal Code Article 302
 Nigeria None (at national level)[10] None (all other states)
18 in Abuja
Prohibited in Borno
For Abuja: Municipal Area Council Bye-Law 2001 Sec 15
 Republic of the Congo None 18[32]
 Rwanda 18 Organic Law implementing the Penal Code N°01/2012/OL Articles 217 and 219
 Senegal None 18[33]
 Seychelles None 18 Chapter 113 Licenses Act (2010)
  • Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Manufacturing) Regulation (1987), Article 8(5)(page 20):
    • In the case of manufacturing and processing of liquor, tobacco and tobacco products, the license holder shall (i) not deliver or sell liquor to, or allow any consumption of liquor by, any person under the age of 18 years or deliver or sell tobacco or tobacco products or allow it to be used on the premises by such a person;
  • Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Liquor and Outdoor Entertainment) Regulations (1998), Article 14 (page 28):
    • (1) The holder of a license, his servant or agent shall not (a) employ or allow a person under the age of 18 years, ... (b) sell or deliver liquor, cigarettes or tobacco products to, or allow liquor to be consumed or cigarettes or any tobacco products to be used by any person under the age of 18 years on the premises; ... (i) admit any person under the age of 18 years to a premises licensed as a public bar, toddy bar or at the premises licensed to manufacture and sell baka or lapire;...
 Somalia Prohibited for all ages[34]
 South Africa None 18 The parent, adult guardian of a minor or a person responsible for administering a religious sacrament, may on occasion supply to that minor a moderate quantity of liquor to be consumed by the minor in the presence and under the supervision of that parent, guardian or other person.[35]
 South Sudan 18[10]
 Sudan Restricted to non-Muslims
Muslims: Prohibited for all ages
Non-Muslims: Unknown[36]
Penal Code 1991, Art 78–79
 Tanzania None 18[37]
 Togo None[10] 20[9]
18 (beer, wine and cider)
Ordinance No. 34 of 1967 Code of alcohol beverage outlets and anti-alcoholism measures Art 29
 Tunisia None 18 Law 2004-75 Article 4 prohibits entry to night clubs to those under 18 with an exception for accompanied persons between 16 and 18 in certain venues, sale of alcohol beverages to whom is prohibited.
 Uganda None[38] 18
16 (wine, beer, porter, cider, perry or native liquor with meal)[38]
It is prohibited for any licensee to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The law provides an exception for anyone who is 16 or 17 years of age, and consumes a fermented alcohol drink with a meal, in a part of a licensed premises that serves meals and is not a bar.
 Western Sahara None[10]
 Zambia 18[39]
16 (traditional beer)[40]
It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license, to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. Before the Liquor Licensing Act was enacted in 2011, the minimum age to sell, serve and supply alcohol beverages was 14 years.[41]
 Zimbabwe None[42] 18 (except with parent or guardian consent) Liquor Act Article 116 Prohibited conduct by persons in general (1) No person shall— ... (l) being a person to whom in terms of this Act the sale of liquor is prohibited, purchase or attempt to purchase liquor in contravention of such provision; .... (o) sell, lend, give, supply or deliver, or offer so to do, any liquor to any person under the age of eighteen years except with the consent of the parent or guardian of that person.

Children's Act Section 78 – It is prohibited for any person to sell, lend, give, supply, deliver or offer alcohol beverages to any child under the age of 16 years, except upon production of a written order signed by the parent or guardian of the child known to such person. The police has the duty to seize any alcohol beverage in the possession of a child under the age of 16 years without a written consent of the parents or legal guardian.[42]

Americas[edit]

In Central America, the Caribbean, and South America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 0 to 20 years (see table below). In South America in particular, the legal purchase age is 18 years, with two exceptions:

  • In Paraguay, the legal drinking age and purchase age is 20 years.
  • In Guyana, minors aged 16 or 17 may consume a glass of beer or wine in a restaurant provided they buy a meal.

In North America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 18 to 21 years:

  • In Mexico, the drinking age is 18 in all states.
  • In the United States, the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages is 21 years of age; the two exceptions are Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where the age is 18. The legal drinking age varies by state, and many states have no age requirements for supervised drinking with one's parents or legal guardians.
  • In Canada, most provinces have a minimum age of 19 years to buy or consume alcohol, while in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the minimum age is 18 years.

In the late 20th century, much of North America changed its minimum legal drinking ages (MLDAs) as follows:

In the 1970s, provincial and state policy makers in Canada and the United States moved to lower MLDAs (which were set at 21 years in most provinces/territories and states) to coincide with the jurisdictional age of majority — typically 18 years of age.... As a result, MLDAs were reduced in all Canadian provinces [and] in more than half of US states. In Canada, however, two provinces, Ontario [in 1979] and Saskatchewan [in 1976], quickly raised their subsequent MLDAs from 18 to 19 years in response to a few studies demonstrating an association between the lowered drinking age and increases in alcohol-related harms to youth and young adults, including increases in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and alcohol intoxication among high school students. Following MLDA reductions in the US, research in several states provided persuasive evidence of sharp increases in rates of fatal and nonfatal MVAs appearing immediately after the implementation of lower drinking ages. These scientific findings galvanized public pressure on lawmakers to raise MLDAs and, in response, the federal government introduced the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which imposed a reduction of highway funds for states if they did not increase their MLDA to 21 years. All states complied and implemented an MLDA of 21 years by 1988.[43]

Country State/ region/ province De jure Notes
Drinking age Purchase age
 Anguilla None[44] 18[44] It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violating the regulation is punished with a $9,600 fine.
 Antigua and Barbuda None 16 (on premises) None (off premises)[45] The sale and distribution of alcohol to a person under 16 years of age, and purchase by persons under 16 years of age, for consumption in licensed premises are prohibited. ID is rarely requested.
 Argentina None 18[46] Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
 Bahamas 18[47] It is prohibited for any adult to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a child (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years). The law provides an exception to treat an illness in urgent cases or upon order by a medical doctor.
 Barbados None 18[48] It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to anyone under the age of 18 years. Previously 16, the President of the Barbados Road Safety Association pushed to raise the drinking age to 18 years because the law was often violated.[49][50]
 Belize 18[51] Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
 Bermuda 18[52] It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child under the age of 18 years.
 Bolivia None 18 It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.

Law 259 Against the Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2012) Article 20

 Brazil None[53] 18[53] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a person under 18 years of age. The presidential law enacted on 17 March 2015 made any violation of the law a criminal offence. Any adult person selling, serving, giving or supplying alcohol beverages to a minor is punished with imprisonment of 2 to 4 years, a fine of R$3.000 to R$10.000 and a ban to operate any business selling or serving alcohol.
 British Virgin Islands 16[51] It is prohibited to sell or to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 16. ID is rarely requested.
 Canada  Alberta
 Manitoba
 Quebec
18[54][55][56] In Alberta no person may give or sell or permit any person to give or sell liquor to a minor in licensed premises.[54] In Manitoba a person must not give, sell or otherwise supply liquor to a minor. The law provides exceptions for a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professional for medical purposes; for sacramental purposes and by the parent, guardian, spouse or common-law partner, if it is given or supplied in a residence.[55] In Quebec the law prohibits the sale of alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years.[56]
 Ontario
 Saskatchewan
 British Columbia
 Newfoundland and Labrador
 Nova Scotia
 New Brunswick
 Prince Edward Island
 Northwest Territories
 Yukon
 Nunavut
None 19 Ontario's Liquor Licence Act permits the supply and consumption of liquor to those under the age of 19. However, supplying a person under the age of 19 is restricted to the person's parent or legal guardian, and may only occur in a residence or in a private place of the parent or legal guardian. A person under the age of 19 who was supplied liquor in this manner is permitted to consume the liquor only in the place it was supplied.[57]
 Cayman Islands 18[58] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for any minor to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol beverages. Violation of the law is punished with a fine of five thousand dollars, and the court may, if the offence was committed by the licensee, order that the licensee shall forfeit his licence and that no licence may be issued to that person for a period not exceeding ten years from the date of his conviction.
 Chile 18[1] The minimum age is 18 to enter an enclosure that sells alcohol beverages. Selling alcohol to a minor may incur a fine. One must provide identification upon request. Residents of Chile over the age of 18 must carry their Chilean identification card issued by the Civil Registry and Identification Service at all times.[59]
 Colombia None 18[60] The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.[60]
 Costa Rica None 18[61] The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). Selling alcohol to a minor will be punished with a fine equivalent to ten basic salaries. Whoever permits minors to maintain in any establishment which main purpose is to sell alcohol beverages, will be sanctioned with a fine equivalent to five salaries. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.[61]
 Cuba None 16[62] The penal code prohibits any adult to induce any young person under the age of 16 years, to habitually consume alcohol beverages. However this means that de facto anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol should check if the buyer has attained the age of 16 years. In most cases this law is not strictly enforced.[62][63]
 Dominica None 16 Laws of Dominica Liquor Licences Act Chapter 70:03, Part IV, Sec 15(f)
 Dominican Republic None 18[64]
 Ecuador None 18[65] It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years of age. The law obligates establishments to place a visible notice at the point of sale and to check identification to enforce the law. However it is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.[65]
 El Salvador None 18[66] It is strictly prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is punished with 25,000.00 and if convicted once more the license will be suspended for a period of six months. It is legal for minors to buy, attempt to buy and consume alcohol.[66]
 Falkland Islands 18[67] It is prohibited for any adult to sell, give or provide alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years in any public place or licensed premises. Parents may permit their children to consume alcohol on private premises. Minors consuming alcohol in public are committing a criminal offence. The law provides exceptions for the consumption of alcohol by minors for prescription of or at the direction of a government medical officer or in the course of the administration of Holy Communion according to the rites of any Christian denomination.[67]
 Grenada None 16
None (off-premise)
Chapter 174 Liquor Dealers' Licenses Act (1988), accessible through the Laws of Grenada Portal
 Guatemala None 18[68] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol drink to a minor under 18 years of age on any establishment or in the street.
 Guyana None 18
16 (on-premise for wine or malt liquor with a meal)[69]
It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to a person under 18 years of age. The law provides an exception for minors aged 16 and 17, if they consume a glass of beer, wine or cider with a meal in a restaurant. Otherwise attempting to buy alcohol or buying alcohol as a minor is an offence.[69]
 Haiti None None (at national level) In the capital Port-au-Prince, it is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to minors under 18 years old from 17 May 2017. Vendors are required to check identification.[70] The Senate voted on a proposed Law on the protection of minors from alcohol beverages, to establish a legal purchase age of 18 and related implementation measures, in December 2012. The law has not yet been approved and enacted.

Law prohibiting minors entry to entertainment venues Article 1 prohibits those under the age of 16 from entering cinemas and theaters (except during children's programming), clubs, cafes, or venues licensed to sell alcohol beverages.

 Honduras None 18 Law for Police Enforcement and Social Coexistence Decree 226 (2001) Article 68 bans the sale of alcohol to minors; The definition of punishable gang activity for minors aged 12–18 includes drinking alcohol beverages in public places (Art 90–91).

Code of Children and Adolescents Decree 73 (1996)

 Jamaica None 18[71] It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child (which is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years).[71]
 Mexico 18[1] All Mexican states prohibit the sale of alcohol to any person under 18 years old. Identification is required for age verification. Some states may allow minors to consume alcoholic beverages with parental consent.[72]
 Nicaragua None 18[73]
 Panama None 18[74]
 Paraguay None 20[75]
 Peru None 18[76]
 Saint Kitts and Nevis None 18 Liquor Licences Act Sec 32(f)
 Saint Lucia None 16 Chapter 13.17 Liquor Licence Act Art 37
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines None 16[77] Chapter 342 Liquor License Act (1990), Sections 27 and 28
 Trinidad and Tobago None 18[78] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to child under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for an adult to send a child to buy alcohol on behalf. It is not prohibited for children to buy or consume alcohol.[78]
 Turks and Caicos Islands None 18[79] It is prohibited to serve or sell liquor to a young person under the age of eighteen years. Minors under the age of sixteen years may not present in a licensed premises mainly serving and selling alcohol beverages.[79]
 United States (50 states) Varies by state[1] 21[1] The National Minimum Drinking Age Act requires all states and territories to have a minimum purchasing age of 21 or lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. The act does not apply to the age of alcohol consumption (i.e., states may allow alcohol consumption by those under 21 years of age without penalty). Exceptions to the drinking age is governed by state law.

Some states do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or in bars (usually, the difference between a bar and a restaurant is that food is served only in the latter). Contrary to popular belief, only a few states prohibit minors and young adults from consuming alcohol in private settings.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism maintains a database that details state-level regulations on consumption and sale age limits.[80]

 Puerto Rico 18 Law 118 Penalties for Provision of Alcoholic Beverages to Minors under 18 years of age (1984)
 United States Virgin Islands 18[81]
 Uruguay None 18[82] Only selling alcohol to minors under the age of 18 is prohibited, consumption and purchase by minors is not prohibited.
 Venezuela None 18[83]

Asia[edit]

Country De jure Notes
Drinking age Purchase age
 Afghanistan Prohibited for all ages[84]
 Bahrain 21[85]
 Bangladesh 21[1] 21 (for non-Muslims and foreigners)
(Muslims require medical prescription for purchasing)
[86]
In 2021, reforms were introduced to alcohol regulations, for the first time a minimum age was defined, 21 years was chosen. Muslims can consume alcohol if they obtain a medical prescription.[86]
 Bhutan None 18[87]
 Brunei Prohibited (for Muslims and public consumption)
17 (for non-Muslims' private residence consumption)[1]
Prohibited for all ages[1] Non-Muslims over 17 years of age are allowed to import alcohol not to exceed maximum total volume 2 litres of liquor and 12 cans of beer at 330 mL for personal use, once in 48 hours. This alcohol must be "stored and consumed at the place of residence of the importer" and is "not to be given, transferred or sold to another person.".[1]
 Cambodia None The Health Ministry drafted a law to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in June 2015, with emphasis on establishing a minimum legal purchase age of 21 and preventing underage drinking.

The draft law has not yet been enacted.[88]

 China None 18[1] Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (2006 Revision) [Revised in 2012][89]

Ministry of Commerce Decree No. 25 (2006)

 Hong Kong None 18[90] IDs are rarely checked in bars and clubs, but are checked when purchasing alcohol at shops. Private drinking is also not regulated.[91]
 India 18–25 (varies by jurisdiction)[1]
21 is the legal drinking age in the majority of the states of India[92]
18 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.[93]

21 in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.[94]

25 in Maharashtra,[95] Meghalaya and Punjab.[96]

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Manipur, and Nagaland.[97]

 Indonesia 21[98]
Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua
Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua; 21 elsewhere for both on- and off-premise sale. According to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 20 Year 2014,[99] Qanun Laws of Aceh No. 6 Year 2014,[100] and Regional Regulation of Papua Province No.15 Year 2013.[101]
 Iran Prohibited for all ages[1] There is a ban on alcohol, but religious minorities may purchase small amounts from shops owned by the same religious minority.[102]
 Iraq 18[103] There was a proposal of banning alcohol in 2016, but was instead taxed by 200%[104]
 Israel No limit in private places,

18 in public spaces[105]

18[1] Israel law prohibits selling or serving alcohol to minors. Minors are prohibited to drink alcohol in public places and the police may confiscate alcohol drinks from them.
 Japan 20[106]
 Jordan 18 Instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior Concerning Liquor Store Permits (2010), Article 6
 Kazakhstan None 21 Law 235 of 2014 Code of Administrative Offences Section 200
 Kuwait Prohibited for all ages[1] Law No. 46 (1964)
 Kyrgyzstan None 18[1] Law No.269 Government Regulation of the Production and Sale of Alcohol (2009), Article 13.2
 Lebanon None 18[1] Penal Code (1943), Articles 625–626 (promulgated by Legislative Decree No. 340 (2011)

According to a global school health study, 40% of minors over 13 drink alcohol and up to 25% buy it from stores.[107]

 Macau None[1]
 Malaysia None Restricted to non-Muslims
Prohibited for Muslims
21 for non-Muslims[1]
Food Act 1983 Food Regulations (1985) Regulation 361 (2014) and Food (Amendment) Regulations 2016

Increased from 18 to 21 in December 2017, effective 16 October 2018. Anyone caught selling to persons under 21 can be fined up to RM10,000 and jailed up to 2 years.[108]

Malaysian identity cards display the word "ISLAM" if the holder is Muslim (and otherwise blank if the holder is non-Muslim) on the bottom right corner, which allows enforcement of the religion-based sales restriction.

 Maldives Restricted to tourists
Prohibited for citizens
18 for tourists[1]
Sale of alcohol is limited to tourist resorts. It is prohibited to sell alcohol to local Maldivians[109]
 Mongolia 21 / 18 with parent consent[110] 21[110] Those under 21 are prohibited from drinking alcohol; parents and guardians are prohibited from supplying alcohol to those under 18.
 Myanmar None 18 Child Law (1993) Art 65

Excise Act (1958) Art 40(7)

   Nepal None 18[111] A policy has reportedly been adopted that would make the legal purchase age 21. However, there are exceptions to underage consumption for purposes of religious ceremonies.[112]
 North Korea Prohibited For Foreigners[citation needed]
 Oman 21[1] Residents need personal liquor licenses to consume alcohol in their private residences.[113]
 Pakistan Prohibited (for Muslims)
21 (for non-Muslims)[114]
Prohibited for Muslims. Purchase age for Non-Muslims is 21.
 Palestine 16[114] Legal in most cities.[114]
 Philippines None 18 Minors (defined as under 18 years old) are prohibited to purchase alcohol and adults are prohibited to purchase or provide alcohol to minors. Minors are not prohibited to consume alcohol. Act Regulating the Access of Minors to Alcohol Section 4
 Qatar Prohibited (for Muslims)
21 (for non-Muslims)[114]
21 Muslims are allowed to purchase alcohol but not consume it.[114] Only residents with a liquor license from the Qatar Distribution Company (owned by Qatar Airways) are allowed to purchase alcohol outside of hotels and restaurants and must make a minimum of QAR 4000 per month.[115]
 Saudi Arabia Prohibited for all ages[1] Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Persons who drink or possess alcohol are subject to arrest and trial. Punishments range from heavy fines, lengthy prison terms and whippings.[116]
 Singapore None[117]
18 (at licensed premises)
18[117] It is prohibited to sell alcohol to those under 18. Anyone caught selling, furnishing or acquiring alcohol in any licensed premise to persons below 18 can be fined up to $10,000.

It is also prohibited for minors to purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol from any licensed premises, in which the minors can also be fined up to $10,000. However, the authorities rarely enforced this on minors.

It is technically legal for minors to possess and consume alcohol at home and in public (not in any licensed premises) as there is no law prohibiting it. It is also technically legal for someone to purchase alcohol and pass it to minors outside the store or licensed premise.[117]

 South Korea None 19[118] The age limit for alcohol is 19 calculated by the year of birth. This means that an 18-year-old will be legally allowed to purchase and consume alcohol if he or she will be turning 19 that year. For example, two persons born on 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2002 will both turn 19 years of age at the same time on 1 January 2021 and hence, both of them will be considered to be of legal age to purchase and consume alcohol on and after that date, despite the latter being only 18 years and 1 day old based on western age.

The method of calculating the legal age for alcohol slightly differs from Korean age reckoning in which another one year will be added to the person's age, whereas this method only doesn't take into account the month and day of birth but only the year instead.[118]

On June 28, 2023, the law that requires measuring age in the western way came into force. However, the previous system to determine the age to drink alcohol will be maintained.[119]

 Sri Lanka None 21[120]
 Syria 18[114]
 Taiwan 18 18[121] Parents, guardians, and others taking care of people under 18 shall not supply alcohol to them or risk administrative fines of 10000 to 50000 new Taiwan dollars (Art 55).

No person shall supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 (Art 91).

 Tajikistan None / 20 18[1] Sale to minors under 18 years old is prohibited by Article 12 of Law No. 451 on State Regulation of Production and Turnover of Ethyl Alcohol and Alcohol Products.[114]

Parents are required to forbid their children who have not reached age 20 to consume alcohol beverages.[122]

 Thailand None 20[123] The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 increased the drinking age in Thailand from 18 to 20, private drinking is not regulated in private locations.[123][124]
 Turkey 18 18[125]
 Turkmenistan None 21[9]
Prohibited In Airports And Stores
Law on Prevention of the Harmful Impact of Alcohol 2018 Art 22-2

Law no Trade Art 33 Code of Administrative Offences Art 315, 356

 United Arab Emirates 18 in Abu Dhabi
21 in most Northern Emirates and Dubai
Prohibited in Sharjah[126]
21
Completely prohibited in Sharjah
In November 2020, Drinking became legal in UAE without requiring a license and regardless of the religion.[127]

Previously, expatriate non-Muslim residents had to request a liquor permit to purchase alcohol beverages, but it was prohibited for such holders to provide drinks to others.[128]

The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi (although a Ministry of Tourism by-law allows hotels to serve alcohol only to those over 21), and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where drinking alcohol is prohibited).[126]

It is a punishable offence to drink, or to be under the influence of alcohol, in public.[126]

 Uzbekistan None 21[129] In 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol and nicotine products to those under 21 years of age, increasing it from 20 years.
 Vietnam 18 18[1] Decree 94/2012/ND-CP on Liquor Production and Trading (2012), Article 19.7
 Yemen Prohibited for all ages[130] Exception is in Aden Region where it's legal for 21 and up[131]

Europe[edit]

Laws banning minors from consuming alcohol in public/private:
  Minimum age to consume alcohol in public and private
  Minimum age to consume alcohol in public
  No minimum age to consume alcohol in public or private

Most countries in Europe have set 18 as the minimum age to purchase alcohol. Although Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland (except Ticino) maintain a minimum purchase age below 18 years, minors are permitted either full or limited access to alcohol. In 2005,[132] 2007[133] and 2015[134] harmonization at the European Union level toward a minimum purchase age of 18 was discussed, but not agreed.

Timeline of changes to drinking/purchase age or laws restricting the access to alcohol for minors:

  • In 2002 the Spanish autonomous-communities Madrid,[135] Valencia[136] and Catalonia[137] raised their minimum purchase age to 18 years. Previously, Valencia and Madrid had a minimum purchase age of 16 years, and in Catalonia minors aged 16 or 17 could purchase alcohol up to 23% ABV on- and off-premise.
  • In 2004 Denmark[138] raised its off-premise purchase age from 15 to 16 years.
  • In November 2005 Switzerland passed its Food and Commodities Regulation[139] (German: Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung), introducing a ban on alcohol sales to anyone under the age of 16. The Alcohol Law[140] (German: Alkoholgesetz) passed in 1980 requires a minimum age of 18 years for the retail sale of distilled spirits. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell fermented alcohol (e.g. beer, wine, sparkling wine or cider) to anyone under the age of 16, and any distilled alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The canton of Ticino has a cantonal law since 1989 that makes the purchase age limit for all alcohol beverages 18 years.[141]
  • In 2006 the Spanish autonomous community Castile and León[142] raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.
  • In late 2006, Gibraltar[143] lawmakers passed the Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006, which raised the minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years. But the new law made an exception: minors aged 16 or 17 can purchase and consume beer, wine or cider under 15% ABV on-premise, and pre-packed containers of an alcohol strength not exceeding 5.5% ABV (e.g. alcopops).
  • In 2009 France[144] raised its minimum purchase age to 18 years,[145][146] and fines were increased for selling or serving alcohol to a minor (up to €7,500). Previously, the minimum age was 16 years for off-premise and on-premise purchases of low-alcohol beverages (up to 3% ABV) such as wine, beer, cider, perry, mead, crème de cassis and juices from fermented fruits or vegetables that contain 1.2 to 3° alcohol, natural sweet wines from controlled cultivation and 18 for higher-ABV beverges.
  • In October 2009, the government of Malta[147] passed a new law raising its drinking and purchase age from 16 to 17 years.
  • In 2010 the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.[148]
  • In 2011 Denmark[149] passed a law raising the minimum age for off-premise sale of alcohol beverages of >16.5% ABV to 18 years of age. The minimum age to purchase alcohol beverages of <16.5% ABV remains 16.
  • In March 2012 Moldova raised the minimum purchase age to 18, from 16 previously.[150][151]
  • Italy raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 in 2012. Previously Italy did not have a purchase age for off-premise sales, and the minimum age of 16 years for on-premise sales was not well enforced.[152]
  • In 2013 the government of Portugal restricted alcohol sales to young people: distilled spirits cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and other alcohol beverages (e.g. beer, wine, or cider) cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16. Previously the minimum age for all alcohol beverages was 16 years.[153]
  • As of 1 January 2014, the minimum legal purchase and consumption age was raised from 16 to 18 in the Netherlands. Previously young people over the age of 16 could purchase and consume alcohol beverages of <15% ABV, and those aged 18 and over could purchase all alcohol beverages.[154]
  • As of March 2015, the Spanish autonomous community of Asturias raised its drinking age from 16 to 18 years. Asturias was Spain's last community with a drinking age of 16 years. The new law brings the drinking age into line with the rest of Spain, with the exception of Balearic Islands where no purchase age limit is set.[155]
  • As of December 2015, Portugal harmonized its minimum drinking age to 18 years across all beverage types. Previously the purchase age was 16 years for low-alcohol beverages such as beer, wine or cider.[156]
  • As of 1 January 2018, Lithuania raised its minimum drinking age from 18 to 20 years.[157]
  • From January 2019 the federal states of Austria decided to align their drinking and purchase ages. The states Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna therefore raised their age limits for alcohol beverages containing spirits to 18. Prior to 2019 these states had a general drinking and purchase age of 16 years. The sale and consumption of beer, wine and other fermented alcohol beverages is now prohibited to children and young people under the age of 16 years, and the sale and consumption of spirits to minors under the age of 18 years is prohibited throughout Austria.[158]
Country Administrative division De jure Notes
Drinking age[159] Purchase age
Private Public On-premise Off-premise
 Albania None 18[160] 18[160] The sale of alcohol beverage in bars, restaurants or other licensed premises, as well as other points of sale, is prohibited to minors under the age of 18 years. Vendors and operators of licensed premises are required to post a clearly legible notice in A4 format stating "Ndalohet shitja e alkoolit personave nën 18 vjeç" (It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to people under 18 years). Consumption by those under age 18 in public places is prohibited.[160]
 Andorra None[161] 18[161] 18[161] Selling, serving or supplying alcohol beverages is prohibited as well as public consumption of alcohol beverage by minors under the age of 18 years.[161]
 Armenia None[162] 18[162] There are no laws mandating alcohol vendors to ID potential underage drinkers. ID checks are very rarely, if ever, carried out[162] Criminal Code the Republic of Armenia (2003), Article 166: "Involvement, by a person who reached 18 years, of a child into regular use of alcohol drinks... is punished with correctional labor for up to 1 year, or with arrest for the term of 1–2 months, or with imprisonment for the term of 5 years"
 Austria None [citation needed] 16 (beer, wine and cider)
18 (distilled beverages)[158]
The age limits are set out by the legislation of each federal state but were harmonized in January 2019.[158] Carinthia also requires 16-18-year-olds to maintain a blood alcohol level below 0.05%.[163]
 Azerbaijan None[164] 18[164] Law No. 499-IG on Children's Rights (1998)
 Belarus None[165] 18[165]
 Belgium None[166] 18 for distilled beverages of higher than 1.2%ABV and fermented beverages of higher than 22%ABV

16 for other alcohol beverages[166]

Since 10 January 2010, it is prohibited to "sell, serve, or offer" any distilled alcohol beverages to those under the age of 18 or any alcohol beverage to those under 16.[166] Previously, it was prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to under-16s, but accompanying adults could buy drinks for them.
 Bosnia and Herzegovina None[167] 18[167] Selling alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years is an offence. The law does not prohibit minors from buying, attempting to buy or consuming alcohol.[167]
  • Law on Public Peace and Order (2015) Article 25 prohibits providing alcohol beverages to minors.
  • Law on Internal Trade (2010), Article 10 prohibits the sale in the retail trade of alcohol beverages to persons under 18 years of age.
 Bulgaria None[168] 18[168][169] It is prohibited to sell or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18.[168]
 Croatia None[170] 18[170] It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age. There is no minimum age to buy or consume alcohol by law.[170]
 Cyprus 17[171] 18 It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years, and for those under 17 years old to consume alcohol beverages.[171]
 Czech Republic None 18[172] It is prohibited to provide alcohol to minors but consumption itself is not prohibited by law.[172]
 Denmark None[173] 18[173] 16 (beverages of <16.5% ABV)
18 (beverages of ≥16.5% ABV)[173]
While there is no age requirement for drinking alcohol beverages in Denmark, there are laws that prohibit minors from buying alcohol from on-premise and off-premise outlets.

If a shop or bar fails to ask for an ID card and is identified as having sold alcohol to an underage person, it is subject to a fine. A national ID card, obtained in the local town hall, can serve as age verification.[174] This card is rarely used though since a passport or driver's license is more commonly used.[175]

Both the legal drinking and purchasing age in the Faroe Islands is 18.[176]

 Estonia 18[177] 18[177] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. Alcohol found in possession of any child can be confiscated by the police.
 Finland 18 (1.2–22% ABV)
20 (>22% ABV)[178]
18[178] 18 (1.2–22% ABV)
20 (>22% ABV)[178]
All major grocery chains have implemented a policy to ask for ID if the customer looks under 30.[179] Stores may refuse to sell alcohol if the customer is accompanied by a minor, or if proxy purchasing is suspected. Purchasing alcohol on behalf of a minor is a criminal offence.[178]

Police may search minors in public places and confiscate or destroy any alcohol beverages in their possession. Incidents are reported to the legal guardian and child protective services, who may intervene with child welfare procedures. In addition, those aged 15 or above are subject to a fine.[180]

In private, offering alcohol to a minor is considered a criminal offence if it results in drunkenness and the act can be deemed reprehensible as a whole, considering the minor's age, degree of maturity and other circumstances.[178]

 France None 18[181] France has no explicitly stated consumption age, but selling alcohol beverages to a minor (under 18) is prohibited and can be fined 7500 euros.[181] However, the law is rarely enforced with authorities reporting extremely high numbers of teen alcohol consumption yearly.
 Georgia None[182] 18[182] Under the Law on Protecting Minors from Harmful Influences 2001 the sale of alcohol beverages to minors is prohibited.[182] Juvenile Justice Code (2015) Article 3 defines minors as those under 18.
 Germany None 14 (beer, wine and cider if accompanied)
16 (beer, wine and cider)
18 (spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts)[183]
It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply fermented alcohol beverages (beer, wine, cider and sparkling wine) to anyone under 16 years of age. However this age limit drops down to 14 if a minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is generally prohibited to serve, sell or supply any beverage containing spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts, to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violation of the "Protection of Young Persons Act" can be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years.
 Gibraltar None[184] 16 (beer, wine and cider)
18 (spirits)[184]
18[184] It is prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18, other than the following two exceptions. The minimum age to be served in licensed premises is 16 if:[184]
  • The alcohol beverage is beer, wine or cider below 15% ABV, or
  • The alcohol beverage is served in a bottle, or a pre-packaged container below 5.5% ABV.
 Greece None[185] 18[185] 18[185] In 2008, the consumption of alcohol beverages was prohibited for minors in public. However, the law does not apply to private events or private premises.[185] However, the law is rarely enforced with authorities reporting very high numbers of teen alcohol consumption yearly.[186] ID checks are rare.
 Hungary None 18[1] 18[1]
 Iceland None 20[187] Possession or consumption of alcohol by people under the age of 20 is not an offence, but police will contact parents of those under 18 and send a report to the child protection agency, supplying them with alcohol is an offence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in public places.
 Ireland None[188] 18[188] 18[188] It is prohibited for minors to buy alcohol or for a third party to attempt to buy it for minors. Minors are prohibited to drink in private residences unless it is with their parent or guardian's permission.[189]
 Italy None[190] 18[191][190] In 2012 the then Health Minister Renato Balduzzi proposed to raise the age to 18.[190] Selling alcohol to those under the age of 18 in shops carries a fine between €250 and €1000. Serving alcohol beverages to those under the age of 16 is a criminal offense and is punished with prison up to one year, if the individual is 16 or 17 it will be treated as an offense that is fined between €250 and €1000 (Legge n. 189/2013).
 Kosovo None 18[192]
 Latvia None[193] 18[193] It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to any minor under the age of 18 years. Persons between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to present an identity document to the retailer when purchasing alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether the retailer has requested it. There is no minimum age to consume or possess alcohol.[193]
 Liechtenstein 18 (spirits and spirit-based beverages)

16 (other alcohol beverages)[194]

Spirits and alcopops may be sold only to people at least 18, and other alcohol beverages to people at least 16. Consumption and possession is prohibited at the same ages.
 Lithuania 20[157] It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 20 years. People under the age of 20 are prohibited from consuming alcohol beverages or from possessing them. The minimum age was raised from 18 to 20 in 2018.[157]
 Luxembourg None[195] 16[195] It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages of >1.2% ABV to any person under the age of 16 years. Violation is fined €251 to €1,000.[195]
 Malta None[196] 17[196] 17[196] Must provide identification upon request.
 Moldova None[151] 18[151] It is prohibited to sell, or serve alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.[151]
 Montenegro None 18[1]
 Netherlands None 18[197] 18[197] The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcohol beverages was raised from 16 to 18 in 2014. Selling alcoholic beverages to people under 18 is prohibited, while buying alcoholic beverages for someone else under the age of 18 is also prohibited.[197]
 North Macedonia None[198] 18[198]
 Norway None[199] 18 (<22% ABV)
20 (≥22% ABV)[200]
Alcohol possessed by minors may be confiscated as evidence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in recreational areas.[201]
 Poland None[202] None (within designated drinking zones)
Prohibited (elsewhere)
18[202] Article 15 of The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism[203] prohibits sale or serving of alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 and that if doubt exists as to age, sellers/servers should require ID as proof of age.

Drinking in public places, with the exception of designated drinking zones, is prohibited regardless of age.

 Portugal None[204] 18[204]
 Romania None[205] 18[205] Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 14 years in an amount which is resulting death to one is punished with imprisonment for 3 to 12 years.
 Russia None 18[206] The legal purchase age limits are 18.
 San Marino None 16[1] Criminal Code Article 165
 Serbia 18 18 Possession of alcohol is regulated by Article 23 of Consumer protection law which prohibits selling, serving and giving alcohol to a person under the age of 18.[207] However, the law is loosely enforced.[208]
 Slovakia 18 18
 Slovenia None[209] 18[209] 18
 Spain None 18[210] Autonomous region Balearic Islands does not have legislation on legal purchase age limits.
 Sweden None 18[211][212] None Under 2.25% ABV

20[211] 18 (beer, above 2.25% ABV and below or equal to 3.5% ABV)

It is legal for anyone at any age to drink,[213] but off-premise sale or supply to anyone under the age of 20 is prohibited and on-premise establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol beverages to anyone under 18. It is legal to serve an underage person alcohol in a private place, provided it's a limited amount and done in moderation.[211] The reason for the lower limit in bars than in Systembolaget shops is that bartenders have a legal responsibility for how drunk a guest gets.[212] Class II beer (up to 3.5% ABV), called folköl ("people's beer"), is sold in regular stores, but with the minimum purchase age of 18.[214] Class I beer (2.25% ABV and under) has no age restriction.
  Switzerland   Switzerland (federal law) None 16 (fermented beverages with up to 15% ABV and natural wines with up to 18% ABV)[215]
18 (spirits)[216]
Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 16 years in an amount which is harmful to one's health is punished with imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine.[217] Whoever sells or supplies spirits to a person under the age of 18 years is punished with a fine up to 10,000 CHF.[218]
 Ticino 18 Canton Ticino prohibits the selling of any type of alcohol beverage to minors under the age of 18.[219]
 Ukraine None 18[1] Law No. 1824-VI on state regulation of production and turnover of ethyl, cognac and fruit, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products Article 15-3
 United Kingdom  England
 Wales
5[220][221] 18[220]
16 (beer, wine or cider with a table meal and if accompanied by adult)[222]
18[220]
  • It’s illegal to give a child under the age of 5 alcohol.
  • It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcohol beverages in licensed premises to anyone under the age of 18,.[220]
  • Minors are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages in public, except that those aged 16–17 may consume beer, wine, or cider on licensed premises when at a table meal with an adult who is accompanying them.
  • Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcohol beverages.
 Scotland 5[221] 18[222]
16 (beer, wine, cider or perry along with a meal if purchased by an adult)[222]
18[222]
  • It’s illegal to give a child under the age of 5 alcohol.
  • It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18, and liqueur confectionery to anyone under the age of 16.[223]
  • Minors are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages in public, except for those aged 16–17, who may consume beer, wine, cider, or perry on licensed premises along with a meal.
  • Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcoholic beverages.[224]
 Northern Ireland 14 18 18
  • It is illegal for persons under 14 to drink alcohol except in a private house and then only for medical purposes.[225]
  • It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. Minors are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages in public.
 United Kingdom Under the BBPA's Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 schemes, customers attempting to buy alcohol beverages are asked to prove their age if in the retailer's opinion they look under 21[226] (or optionally 25) even though the law states they must be a minimum of 18. Many supermarket and off-licence chains display Challenge 21 (or Challenge 25) notices stating that they will not serve people who look under 21 (or 25) without ID.

Oceania[edit]

Country State/ region/ province De jure Notes
Drinking age Purchase age
 Australia 18[1] All states restrict purchasing to over 18, but exceptions may apply if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The government-supported Youth Law Australia portal offers details on consumption and supply age limits by state.[227]
 Fiji 18[228] The drinking age was previously 21 but was lowered to 18 in 2009.[228]
 Kiribati 21[9] Liquor Ordinance 1973 Art 11

Liquor (Amendment) Act 12-2005 Art 27

 Marshall Islands 21[9] Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 1971 Art 111(i)

Alcohol Restriction Act of 1994 Art 202(1)

 Micronesia, Federated States of  Chuuk
 Kosrae
18[229][230]
 Pohnpei
 Yap
21[231][232]
 Nauru 21[9] Liquor Ordinance 1967 Art 33
 New Zealand None 18[233] Minimum age applies for beverages with 1.15% ABV or over; no restrictions on beverages less than 1.15% ABV.[234]
Persons under 18 may drink outside private residences or private functions if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Alcohol may be supplied to minors only by, or with express consent from, their parent or legal guardian.[235]
 Palau 21[236] It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a person under 21 years of age. Minors may access a bar or licensed premises only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors buying, consuming or attempting to buy alcohol are committing an offence. The law provides an exception for the consumption of alcohol by minors as part of a religiously recognized ceremony.[236]
 Papua New Guinea 18[237] It is prohibited for a minor to purchase, consume or attempt to purchase alcohol beverages. Any licence holder has to ensure that the customer who he sells or serves alcohol to, is at least 18 years of age. Violation of this law is punishable by a fine.[237] Liquor Licensing Act (1963) Art 102–103
 Samoa 21[238] Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.[239] "does not apply to a licensee of a food and beverage license provided that the person under the age of 21 years is under the supervision of an attending parent."
 Solomon Islands None[239] 21[239] Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.[239]
 Tokelau 18[240]
 Tonga 18[241] Selling, serving or supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 years is prohibited. It is also prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol in any public place and any violation of this law is punishable by a $1,000 fine.[241]
 United States  American Samoa 21[242]
 Guam 21[243] As of July 2010, the drinking age in the territory of Guam has been raised to 21.
 Northern Mariana Islands 21[244]
 Vanuatu 18[245] It is unlawful to sell, serve or supply alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is fined up to VT 25,000 or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or by both, fine and imprisonment. Any minor under the age of 18 years, being found in possession or consumption of alcohol is fined up to VT 10,000.[245]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac "Minimum Legal Age Limits". IARD. January 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  2. ^ Misachi, John (21 December 2020). "Drinking Ages Around The World". Worldatlas.com. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Underage Drinking". National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. January 2006. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  4. ^ The Impact and Effectiveness of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Legislation in Canada ccsa.ca
  5. ^ "Minimum legal drinking age of 21 saves lives | CDC". 19 April 2022.
  6. ^ "Are teen clubs safe for kids?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Youth: Teen-Age Nightclubs". Time. 7 September 1962. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Drinking age in Algeria". Drinking Age in Countries Around the World. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Minimum Legal Age Limits". International Alliance for Responsible Drinking. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "PROTECTION FROM DRUG ABUSE/ MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL LAWS" (PDF). The African Child Policy Forum. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  11. ^ a b "Sobre o acesso de menores a espectáculos nocturnos, e o consumo e a comercialização de bebidas alcoólicas por menores". Governo Provincial de Luanda. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  12. ^ a b c "Liquor Act 2008 – Section 32" (PDF). Government of Botswana. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  13. ^ a b "Code Pénal du Burundi – Article 501 et 502" (PDF). MINISTRE DE LA JUSTICE ET GARDE. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Law No. 2016/007 of July 12, 2016, relating to the Penal Code – Section 348". Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Lei n.° 27/V/97". Imprensa Nacional de Cabo Verde. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  16. ^ a b "WHO Global Alcohol Report Central African Republic" (PDF). World Health Organization. 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  17. ^ a b "WHO Global Alcohol Report Comoros" (PDF). World Health Organization. 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  18. ^ "WHO Global Alcohol Report Equatorial Guinea" (PDF). World Health Organization. 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  19. ^ a b "Penal Code of Eritrea – Article 267" (PDF). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  20. ^ "Criminal Code, 2004 – Article 531 & 818" (PDF). WIPO. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  21. ^ "Ethiopia: Plans To Strengthen Alcohol Control". Movendi International. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  22. ^ a b "Drug Control Decree and Decree No. 80 of 1996". UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  23. ^ "LIQUOR LICENSING ACT – 1970 (ACT 331) – Section 15 – Young Persons to be Excluded". Ghana Legal. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  24. ^ a b "ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT – SECTION 28" (PDF). National Council for Law Reporting. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  25. ^ "LIQUOR LICENSING ACT 1998 – Section 39". Ministry of Tourism Environment and Culture. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Penal Code – Article (21) of Law No. (89) of 1974 prohibiting alcohol and establish the hudud punishment for drinking". Libya - Dcaf Legal Databases. Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  27. ^ "Liquor Act -Section 74" (PDF). The African Child Information Hub. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  28. ^ "Minimum Legal Drinking Age in Other Countries - Drinking Age - ProCon.org". Drinking Age. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  29. ^ "Child Protection Act, 1995 Section 16" (PDF). Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  30. ^ "Sanções duras para infractores do novo regulamento". Domingo. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  31. ^ "Liquor Act 6 of 1998" (PDF). Legal Assistance Centre. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  32. ^ "LOI N° 4-2010 DU 14 JUIN 2010 Article 123" (PDF). UNICEF. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  33. ^ "N° 3097/MINT/DAGAT/DEL/DB" (PDF). REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL MINISTRE DE L'INTERIEUR. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  34. ^ "WHO Global Alcohol Report Somalia" (PDF). World Health Organization. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  35. ^ Department of Trade & Industry (26 April 2004). "The National Liquor Act, 59 of 2003". Government Gazette. 446 (26294). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  36. ^ "Sudan: Country Specific Information". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014.
  37. ^ "Law of the Child Act 2009 – Section 17" (PDF). Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  38. ^ a b "Liquor Act 1960 – Section 19". Uganda Legal Information Institute. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  39. ^ "THE LIQUOR LICENSING ACT, 2011 – Section 36" (PDF). Government of Zambia. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  40. ^ THE TRADITIONAL BEER ACT (PDF). pp. 10, 12.
  41. ^ The Liquor Act, 1959 – Section 46
  42. ^ a b "CHILDREN'S ACT – Section 78" (PDF). International Labour Organisation. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  43. ^ Callaghan RC, Sanches M, Gatley JM, Stockwell T (2014). "Impacts of drinking-age laws on mortality in Canada, 1980–2009". Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 138: 137–145. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.019. hdl:20.500.11937/41631. PMID 24631002.
  44. ^ a b "L075-00-Liquor Licences Act – 27". Government of Anguilla. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  45. ^ "THE LICENSING (INTOXICATING LIQUOR) ACT – CHAPTER 249 – PART V – 24" (PDF). laws.gov.ag. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  46. ^ "Ley Nacional De Lucha Contra El Alcoholismo" (in Spanish). 31 March 1997. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  47. ^ "CHILD PROTECTION ACT – PART VI – CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN SUPERVISION ORDERS – 62. (4)" (PDF). Government of the Bahamas. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  48. ^ "RAISE DRINKING AGE". BARBADOS ADVOCATE. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  49. ^ Henry, Anesta. "Lawmakers Raise Drinking Age to 18." Barbados Today. 12 May 2021. Link to article
  50. ^ Barbados Happy Hours: Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking in Barbados. Link to article
  51. ^ a b "Liquor Licences Act (Cap. 106) – PART IV – 34: Sale of intoxicating liquor to children" (PDF). ird.gov.vg. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  52. ^ "LIQUOR LICENCE ACT 1974 – Procuring drink for drunken person or minor 42" (PDF). cada.bm. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  53. ^ a b "LEI Nº 13.106, DE 17 DE MARÇO DE 2015. Art. 1o, Art. 2o". Presidência da República Casa Civil. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  54. ^ a b "GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT – Supplying liquor to minor – 75" (PDF). Alberta Queen's Printer. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  55. ^ a b "The Liquor and Gaming Control Act – No providing liquor to minors – 62 (1) and (2)". Manitoba Queen's Printer. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  56. ^ a b "ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS". Gouvernement du Québec. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  57. ^ "Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19 s.30 Rules, persons under 19". Queen's Printer for Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  58. ^ "LIQUOR LICENSING LAW – 21., 22" (PDF). gov.ky. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  59. ^ "LAW ON EXPENDITURE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES" (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 September 2017.
  60. ^ a b "LEY 124 DE 1994 – Artículo 1º". Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  61. ^ a b "Ley n.º 7633 – REGULACIÓN DE HORARIOS DE FUNCIONAMIENTO EN EXPENDIOS DE BEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS – ARTÍCULO 5.-" (PDF). Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  62. ^ a b "CODIGO PENAL – ARTICULO 313.1.-". gacetaoficial.gob.cu. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  63. ^ "Tragos amargos". CUBAHORA. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  64. ^ "Alcohol y menores de edad". cnd.com.do. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  65. ^ a b "REGLAMENTO GENERAL A LA LEY ORGANICA DE DEFENSA DEL CONSUMIDOR PUBLICADA EN EL SUPLEMENTO DEL REGISTRO OFICIAL No. 116 DEL 10 DE JULIO DEL 2000. – Art. 54.- b)" (PDF). Secretario General de la Administración Pública. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  66. ^ a b "LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS – Art. 49.-" (PDF). Gobierno de San Salvador. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  67. ^ a b "Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993 – Sections 3, 4 and 5". Government of the Falkland Islands. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  68. ^ "Decreto 90–97 – Artículo 50" (PDF). EL Congreso de la República de Guatemala. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  69. ^ a b "Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act – Section 55" (PDF). EL CONGRESO DE LA REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  70. ^ "HAITI: Interdiction de vendre de l'alcool aux mineurs informe le chef du parquet". Anmwe News. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  71. ^ a b "Child Care and Protection Act – Section 40" (PDF). Government of Jamaica. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  72. ^ "¿Cuál es la edad mínima para consumir alcohol en México?".
  73. ^ "CÓDIGO DE LA NIÑEZ Y LA ADOLESCENCIA. LEY No. 287" (PDF). Asamblea Nacional de la República de Nicaragua. 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  74. ^ "EL CONSEJO NACIONAL DE LEGISLACION DECRETA: CAPITULO PRIMERO IMPUESTOS SOBRE EXPENDIO DE BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS" (PDF). Consejo Nacional de Legislación. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  75. ^ "Ley N° 1.642 / 2000 – QUE PROHÍBE LA VENTA DEBEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS A MENORES DE EDAD Y PROHÍBE SU CONSUMO EN LA VÍA PÚBLICA". Biblioteca y Archivo Central del Congreso Nacional. 13 June 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  76. ^ "Ley No. 28681" (PDF). docs.peru.justia.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  77. ^ "WHO Global Alcohol Report Saint Vincent and the Grenadines" (PDF). Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  78. ^ a b "Liquor Licenses Act – Section 60" (PDF). Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  79. ^ a b "Liquor Licenses Act – Section 27". Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  80. ^ "APIS: State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws". National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  81. ^ "Helpful Visitor Information for the Virgin Islands". Vinow.com. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  82. ^ "Legisladores quieren prohibir que menores de 18 consuman bebidas alcohólicas". Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  83. ^ "Gaceta Oficial N° 5. 266 Extraordinario de fecha 2 de octubre de 1998: LEY ORGÁNICA PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DEL NIÑO Y DEL ADOLESCENTE" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  84. ^ "Penal Code (1976), Art 349–352" (PDF). Refworld. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  85. ^ "I was curious what your drinking age is as well..." tripadvisor.com. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  86. ^ a b "Bangladesh Introduces New Alcohol Policy Measures, Including Alcohol Age Limit and Health Warnings". Movendi International. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  87. ^ "Rules And Regulations For Establishment And Operation Of Industrial And Commercial Ventures In Bhutan, 1995" (PDF). Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  88. ^ Kimmarita, Long. "Groups urge passing of alcohol law be sped up". www.phnompenhpost.com. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  89. ^ "laws". npc.gov.cn. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  90. ^ Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B) § 37, with reference to Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1) § 3
  91. ^ Regulation of underage drinking, Legislative Council, 24 April 2017.
  92. ^ Gaur, Shubhank (6 March 2017). "Legal Drinking Age in India". MrLiquor. Retrieved 7 July 2021. Most states of India have a minimum drinking age of 21
  93. ^ "Delhi lowers drinking age: What's the age limit to consume alcohol in other states". The Indian Express. 23 March 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  94. ^ "Explained: The minimum legal drinking age in some countries across the world". The Indian Express. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  95. ^ "Bombay Prohibition Act,1949" (PDF).
  96. ^ "Minimum Legal Age Limits". International Alliance for Responsible Drinking. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  97. ^ "States with total and phase-wise prohibition of alcohol in India". 6 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  98. ^ "Tak Boleh Minum Bir Sebelum Umur 21 Tahun". CNN Indonesia. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  99. ^ "JDIHN - Detail Dokumen". jdihn.go.id. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  100. ^ "JDIHN - Detail Dokumen". jdihn.go.id. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  101. ^ "PERDA Prov. Papua No. 15 Tahun 2013 tentang Pelarangan Produksi, Pengedaran dan Penjualan Minuman Beralkohol [JDIH BPK RI]". peraturan.bpk.go.id. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  102. ^ "Islamic Republic of Iran (the)" (PDF). World Health Organization.
  103. ^ Kathleen Crislip (26 June 2019). "Alcohol Drinking Ages Around the World". TripSavvy. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  104. ^ "Iraq's parliament passes law banning alcohol". TheGuardian.com. 23 October 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  105. ^ Law to control alcohol intoxication (2010)
  106. ^ "Underage Drinking Prohibition Law (Act No. 20 of Taisho 11)". e-gov Japan. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  107. ^ "Lebanon's underage drinking problem – Executive Magazine". Executive Magazine. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  108. ^ Boo Su-Lyn (28 May 2016). "Putrajaya raises legal drinking age, imposes health warnings". Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  109. ^ "Alcohol in the Maldives". MainlyMaldives.co.uk. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  110. ^ a b "Law to Combat Alcoholism (2000)". Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  111. ^ "Hotel Distribution and Wine Sales Distribution (Control) Act". Nepal Law Commission. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  112. ^ "Nepal". IOGT International. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  113. ^ "Oman". Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  114. ^ a b c d e f g "What's the Legal Drinking Age in Asia?". TripSavvy. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  115. ^ "Alcohol and Liquor Licences in Qatar - Qatar". Angloinfo. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  116. ^ "Rules and laws on drugs and alcohol in Saudi Arabia | Expatica". Expat Guide to Saudi Arabia | Expatica. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  117. ^ a b c Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 (No. 5 of 2015)
  118. ^ a b "청소년보호법".
  119. ^ Seo, Jessie Yeung,Yoonjung (28 June 2023). "South Koreans become younger overnight after country scraps 'Korean age'". CNN. Retrieved 28 June 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  120. ^ "NATIONAL AUTHORITY ON TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL ACT, No. 27 OF 2006" (PDF). Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  121. ^ Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act (zh:兒童及少年福利法) of the Republic of China; Article 2 of defines children and youth as people under the age of 18.
  122. ^ "Закон Республики Таджикистан об ответственности родителей за обучение и воспитание детей". Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  123. ^ a b Patin, Jennifer. "Thailand Tourist Information: A Guide to Laws in Thailand". Thailand Law Forum. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  124. ^ "ตำกวา 20 ป ไมขายสราให". Thaihealth.or.th. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  125. ^ "İSPİRTO VE İSPİRTOLU İÇKİLER İNHİSARI KANUNU" (PDF). Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  126. ^ a b c "United Arab Emirates travel advice – GOVUK". gov.uk. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
  127. ^ "UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms". AP NEWS. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  128. ^ "International Drinking Guidelines". International Center for Alcohol Policies. Retrieved 17 February 2009.
  129. ^ UzDaily. "Uzbekistan bans sale of alcohol and tobacco to people under 21". UzDaily.uz (in Russian). Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  130. ^ "14 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal". WorldAtlas. 25 April 2017.
  131. ^ "Drinking age in Yemen". Drinking Age in Countries Around the World. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  132. ^ AFP, dpa (26 February 2005). "EU will Alkoholkauf erst ab 18 erlauben". rp-online.de (in German). Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  133. ^ AFP, dpa (13 March 2007). "Die EU will Alkohol erst ab 18 Jahren freigeben". abendblatt.de (in German). Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  134. ^ Christoph B. Schiltz (27 April 2015). "EU-Parlament will Alkohol unter 18 verbieten". welt.de/politik (in German). Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  135. ^ Marlowe (7 March 2002). "La ley seca aprobada en Madrid". elinconformistadigital.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  136. ^ "El Conseller Blasco propone aumentar la edad legal para el consumo de alcohol". joves.net (in Spanish). 2002. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  137. ^ "Cataluña eleva hasta los 18 años la edad mínima para poder comprar alcohol". lasdrogas.info (in Spanish). 28 February 2002. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  138. ^ "Forbud mod salg af alkohol til personer under 16 år – virker det?". si-folkesundhed.dk (in Danish). Jørgensen MH, Riegels M, Hesse U & Grønbæk M. 2006. p. København: Statens Institut for Folkesundhed. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  139. ^ "Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung – Art. 11". admin.ch (in German). The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  140. ^ "Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser – Art. 41". admin.ch (in German). The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  141. ^ "Legge sulla promozione della salute e il coordinamento sanitario (Legge sanitaria) – Art. 51". ti.ch (in Italian). Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  142. ^ "La legislación contra el botellón en manos de las comunidades autónomas". ElConfidencial.com (in Spanish). 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  143. ^ "Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006" (PDF). gibraltarlaws.gov.gi. Government of Gibraltar. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  144. ^ Bastien Hugues (9 March 2009). "La vente d'alcool et de tabac interdite aux mineurs". lefigaro.fr (in French). Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  145. ^ Law passed on 23 July 2009.
  146. ^ French Public Health Code, Art L3353-4.
  147. ^ Mark (16 June 2014). "Legal Drinking Age". livinginmalta.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  148. ^ Santiago de Compostela (17 June 2010). "Galicia elevará de 16 a 18 años la edad para beber y multará la venta a menores". elmundo.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  149. ^ "Lovgivning på alkoholområdet". sundhedsstyrelsen.dk (in Danish). Sundhedsstyrelsen. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  150. ^ [Art.30 lit.j) în redacţia LP22 din 01.03.12, MO92/15.05.12 art.290]
  151. ^ a b c d "LEGE Nr. 1100 din 30.06.2000 cu privire la fabricarea şi circulaţia alcoolului etilic şi a producţiei alcoolice – Art. 30". lex.justice.md. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  152. ^ "Divieto di vendita alcolici ai minori di anni 18". ufficiocommercio.it (in Italian). Ufficio Commercio. 14 November 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  153. ^ Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (27 March 2013). "RESTRIÇÕES À DISPONIBILIZAÇÃO, VENDA E CONSUMO DE BEBIDAS ALCOÓLICAS – N.º02/2013" (PDF). ivv.min-agricultura.pt (in Portuguese). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 November 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  154. ^ "Alcohol in de wet". rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch). 28 November 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  155. ^ "Las copas saldrán caras a los menores". lne.es (in Spanish). 6 March 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  156. ^ "Decreto-Lei n.º 50/2013 – Diário da República n.º 74/2013, Série I de 2013-04-16 [Amendment by Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 – Diário da República n.º 115/2015, Série I de 2015-06-16, em vigor a partir de 2015-07-01]". dre.pt (in Portuguese). Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  157. ^ a b c "Lietuvos Respublikos alkoholio kontrolės įstatymas". e-tar.lt. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  158. ^ a b c "Österreichs digitales Amt: Rauchen und Alkohol" (in German). 4 January 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  159. ^ drs. J. Mulder, J. de Greeff MSc. "EYES ON AGES – A research on alcohol age limit policies in European Member States. Legislation, enforcement and research" (PDF). Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy (STAP), European Commission. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  160. ^ a b c "LIGJ Nr. 9518, datë 18.4.2006 – PËR MBROJTJEN E TË MITURVE NGA PËRDORIMI I ALKOOLIT [Law 9518 for the protection of minors from the use of alcohol (2006)] Art 4" (PDF). ishp.gov.al (in Albanian). Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  161. ^ a b c d "Reglament pel qual es regulen determinats aspectes de la venda i el consum de begudes alcohòliques" (PDF). policia.ad (in Catalan). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  162. ^ a b c "CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATIONS". National Assembly. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  163. ^ Rauchen und Alkohol State legilations
  164. ^ a b "Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə". bakupost.az. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  165. ^ a b "ЗАКОН РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ 27 августа 2008 г. № 429-З О государственном регулировании производства и оборота алкогольной, непищевой спиртосодержащей продукции и непищевого этилового спирта". Национальный правовой Интернет-портал Республики Беларусь. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  166. ^ a b c "Alcool". Service Public Federal. 27 January 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  167. ^ a b c "Prodaja alkoholnih pića osobama mlađim od 18 godina". jeunesetalcool.be. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  168. ^ a b c "ЗАКОН ЗА ЗАКРИЛА НА ДЕТЕТО". Lex.bg. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  169. ^ "ЗАКОН ЗА ЗДРАВЕТО". Lex.bg. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  170. ^ a b c "Zakon o trgovini". zakon.hr. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  171. ^ a b "Ο περί Πωλήσεως Οινοπνευματοδών Ποτών Νόμος (ΚΕΦ.144)". CyLaw. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  172. ^ a b "Zákon č. 65/2017 Sb. Zákon o ochraně zdraví před škodlivými účinky návykových látek". Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  173. ^ a b c "Bekendtgørelse af lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 18 år". www.retsinformation.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  174. ^ "Lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 16 år" (in Danish). Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  175. ^ Få unge har købt legitimationskort Archived 27 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Danmarks Radio, 01. July 2006
  176. ^ "Alcohol". Visit Faroe Islands. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  177. ^ a b "Alkoholiseadus". Riigi Teataja. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  178. ^ a b c d e "Alkoholilaki". Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  179. ^ "If you look under 30, get your ID out". YLE News. 12 October 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
  180. ^ "Laki rikesakkorikkomuksista 756/2010 – Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö – FINLEX ®". Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  181. ^ a b "Code de la santé publique – Article L3353-3". Legifrance. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  182. ^ a b c კონსოლიდირებული ვერსია (საბოლოო). 31 October 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  183. ^ Protection of Young Persons Act, Amendment by Article 3, Act (PDF). 31 October 2008. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  184. ^ a b c d Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Gaming) Act 2006 Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (Gibraltar Laws).
  185. ^ a b c d "ΝΟΜΟΣ 3730/2008 ΦΕΚ Με τις τελευταίες αλλαγές από το Νόμο 4633/2019". Kodiko.gr. 23 December 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  186. ^ Greece movendi.ngo
  187. ^ "Áfengislög". Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  188. ^ a b c "At what age can I?". citizensinformation.ie. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  189. ^ "Alcohol and the law". Citizensinformation.ie. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  190. ^ a b c Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato S.p.A. "Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria". Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  191. ^ "DL sanità: La legge di conversione del decreto Balduzzi Legge, 08/11/2012 n° 189, G.U. 10/11/2012". Altalex. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  192. ^ "LIGJI NR. 04/L-121 PËR MBROJTJEN E KONSUMATORIT". gzk.rks-gov.net. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  193. ^ a b c "Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums". likumi.lv. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  194. ^ "Kinder- und Jugendgesetz (KJG) vom 10. Dezember 2008". Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  195. ^ a b c "RECUEIL DE LEGISLATION – A –– N° 237 29 décembre 2006". legilux.public.lu. 29 September 2006. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  196. ^ a b c "CAP 10 Code of Police Laws". justiceservices.gov.mt. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  197. ^ a b c "Drank- en Horecawet". wetten.nl. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  198. ^ a b "Закон за трговија". pravdiko.mk. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  199. ^ "Proposition to Odelstinget rejecting the idea of holding minors criminally responsible for the purchase or consumption of alcohol". Regjeringen.no. 11 October 1996. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  200. ^ "Lov om omsetning av alkoholholdig drikk m.v. (alkoholloven) – Lovdata". lovdata.no.
  201. ^ "Police: It's okay to drink in public parks". Aftenposten. 2 July 2009. Archived from the original on 3 May 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  202. ^ a b "Ustawa z dnia 26 października 1982 r. o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi". ISAP – Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych (in Polish). Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  203. ^ "The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism" (PDF). Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  204. ^ a b "MINISTÉRIO DA SAÚDE Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 de 16 de junho" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  205. ^ a b "Legea nr. 61/1991 (Actualizata 2008), pentru sanctionarea faptelor de incalcare a unor norme de convietuire sociala, a ordinii si linistii publice" (in Romanian). June 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  206. ^ "Федеральный закон от 22.11.1995 N 171-ФЗ (ред. от 01.05.2019) "О государственном регулировании производства и оборота этилового спирта, алкогольной и спиртосодержащей продукции и об ограничении потребления (распития) алкогольной продукции"" (in Russian). Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  207. ^ "Закон о заштити потрошача: ("Sl. glasnik RS", br. 88/2021-3)" [Consumer protection law]. Правно информациони систем. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  208. ^ Gudelj Rakić, Jelena; Jovanović, Verica; Kilibarda, Biljana; Vasić, Milena; Tošić, Marijana; Boričić, Katarina (2023). Резултати истраживањa понашањa у вези са здрављем деце школског узраста у Републици Србији 2022. године [Health Behaviour in School-aged Children, HBSC.] (PDF) (in Serbian). Belgrade: Институт за јавно здравље Србије "Др Милан Јовановић Батут". pp. 47–49. ISBN 978-86-7358-129-3.
  209. ^ a b "Zákon o ochrane pred zneužívaním alkoholických nápojov a o zriaďovaní a prevádzke protialkoholických záchytných izieb". Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  210. ^ "Alcohol and youth – Legislation". Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  211. ^ a b c "3 Kap. 7§ Alkohollag (2010:1622)". Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  212. ^ a b "Systembolaget FAQ: Why is there an 18-year age limit on the pub but a 20-year age limit for Systembolaget?". Systembolaget. Systembolaget.se. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  213. ^ "ÄR DET OLAGLIGT ATT DRICKA ALKOHOL OM MAN ÄR UNDER 18 ÅR?" [IS IT ILLEGAL TO DRINK ALCOHOL IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD?]. lawline (in Swedish). Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  214. ^ "Langning av alkohol - lagar och fakta". Polismyndigheten (in Swedish). Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  215. ^ "817.02 Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung Art. 11". admin.ch. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  216. ^ "680 Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser Art. 41 IV. 1. i." admin.ch. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  217. ^ "311.0 Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch vom 21. Dezember 1937 (Stand am 1. Januar 2015) – Art. 411" (PDF). admin.ch (in German). Swiss Federal Council. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  218. ^ "680 Bundesgesetz vom 21. Juni 1932 über die gebrannten Wasser (Alkoholgesetz) – Art. 57". admin.ch (in German). Swiss Federal Council. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  219. ^ "RL 942.100 Legge sugli esercizi alberghieri e sulla ristorazione del 1° giugno 2010 (stato 15 giugno 2017) – art. 23 cpv. 1 lit. a". ti.ch (in Italian). Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  220. ^ a b c d "Licensing Act 2003". Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  221. ^ a b "The law on alcohol and under-18s". Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  222. ^ a b c d "Alcohol and young people – GOV.UK". gov.uk. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  223. ^ "Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005". Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  224. ^ "Bringing goods into the UK – 3. Arrivals from outside the EU". gov.uk. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  225. ^ "Alcohol, young people under 18 and the law | nidirect". www.nidirect.gov.uk. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  226. ^ "Challenge 21". British Beer and Pub Association.
  227. ^ "Teen issues: Alcohol". Youth Law Australia. Department of Health Victoria. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  228. ^ a b "Liquor Act 2006". Fijitimes.com. 1 August 2018. Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  229. ^ Draft Chuuk State Code (2012) Section 1307(1) – unenacted draft code citing source laws
  230. ^ Kosrae State Code (1997), Sections S.1.201(44) and 13.517(3)
  231. ^ Code of the State of Pohnpei (2012), Section 2-109
  232. ^ Yap State Code (1987), Section 405
  233. ^ "Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012". alcohol.org.nz. Archived from the original on 7 November 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  234. ^ "2 Interpretation – Sale of Liquor Act 1989 No 63 (as at 01 July 2011), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation Online". Parliamentary Counsel Office. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  235. ^ "The law about supply to young people". Alcohol.org.nz. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  236. ^ a b "Alcoholic Beverage Control Act – § 1068. Sale or distribution to minors; purchase, possession, or consumption by minors". Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  237. ^ a b "Underage drinking is a public health problem". Post Courier. 13 March 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  238. ^ "Liquor Act 2011 – Section 14" (PDF). Parliament of Samoa. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  239. ^ a b c d "Section 72 of the Liquor Act (Ch. 144)". Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  240. ^ Crimes, Procedure and Evidence Rules 2003, s50(3).
  241. ^ a b "INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT – Section 65" (PDF). The Kingdom of Tonga, Attorney General's Office. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  242. ^ "ALCOHOL REFORM ISSUES PAPER" (PDF). samoalawreform.gov.ws. Samoa Law Reform Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  243. ^ "Drinking age raised to 21 on Guam". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  244. ^ "H. B. No. 19-141 HDI SSI" (PDF). cnmilaw.org. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  245. ^ a b "Liquor Licensing Act – Section 17". Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 22 March 2018.

External links[edit]