In fact, 64 percent of the world's nations have legal drinking ages of 18. The youngest legal drinking age in the world is 15, with both Mali and the Central African Republic allowing folks to drink at that time.
Around the world, the age when it's legal to purchase or be served most alcohol products varies from 13 in Burkina Faso to 25 in Eritrea. Here's a brief look at how not only the legal drinking age but the culture and parenting around alcohol consumption varies across countries.
Consumption in public places by those under 18 is prohibited. *Exceptions may apply if accompanied by a responsible adult. Each federal state prohibits sale of alcohol beverages to anyone under 16 years of age.
Belgium, Denmark and Germany set 16 years as the minimum age for purchasing beverages containing less than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol and 18 years for buying spirits (more than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol).
Laws that apply anywhere in Australia
Legal drinking age – you must be 18 or older to buy alcohol or to drink alcohol in a licensed venue. Selling alcohol – it's illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 or to someone who is already drunk.
In Greece, there's no minimum age for the consumption of alcohol, but you must be 18 or over to buy it. However, it's unusual to be asked for ID in bars, cafes or supermarkets where you can buy just about any type of alcohol.
In England, Scotland and Wales, it's not illegal for someone between the ages of five and 17 to drink alcohol at home or on other private premises. But this does not mean it is recommended. The best advice for young people's health and wellbeing is an alcohol-free childhood.
In Japan, the legal adult age is 20. Japanese law prohibits individuals under the age of 20 to drink alcohol or smoke. Regardless of age, you must not force anyone to drink or smoke as it may cause serious health and social consequences.
The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is age limited to persons 18 and over.
If you're under 18, it's against the law: for someone to sell you alcohol. to buy or try to buy alcohol.
It is illegal to: Possible consequences include: Drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drink or possess alcohol if you are below the legal drinking age (which is 19 in most provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta where it is 18).
Underage Drinking: Underage Consumption of Alcohol
Notes: In Texas, a minor may consume an alcoholic beverage if it is in the visible presence of the minor's adult parent, guardian or spouse.
Germany — 16 for beer and wine (14 if with parent or guardian), 18 for spirits. Ghana — Age to purchase is 18.
Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest. Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years), life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Age – You should note that the minimum drinking age in Thailand is 18 years old. In addition, alcohol beverages can only be sold to a person who is at least 20 years old. If you sell alcohol to an underage person, you may be subject to a criminal penalty of up to 1 year imprisonment and/or up to a THB20,000 fine.
In Russia, the legal drinking age is usually eighteen. Usually, because there are some exceptions to that case. Technically, stronger alcohol such as cognac and vodka is sold only to those over 21.
Age of Consent in China
The age of consent in mainland China is 14 years old. China's two special administrative regions, Macau and Hong Kong, have their own local age of consent laws. Like China, Macau's age of consent is 14 years old. The age of consent in Hong Kong is 16 years old.
Alcohol. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years of age. Although it is legal to drink alcohol in public, disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol can result in hefty fines and a visit to the police station.
There is no acceptable amount of alcohol that is considered safe for children. Children metabolize alcohol faster than adults. This means that even a small amount of alcohol can lead to higher blood-alcohol concentrations. This can lead to low blood sugar, coma, and problems regulating body temperature.
The legal drinking age in Italy is currently 18 years old.
It is always prudent for young people (and people who look young:-) to carry a photo ID in case proof of age is requested.
Only a parent or guardian (or a person authorised by the parent or guardian) may supply alcohol to a minor at an unlicensed premises (including a family home), however the supply must be consistent with the responsible supervision of the minor.
There's no law against teenagers drinking alcohol, but it can only be sold to those who are over 18. Any adult selling liquor to a younger person can be prosecuted. Pubs and clubs can stay open 24 hours. It is acceptable and sometimes quite common to walk with an uncapped beer in hand in the Czech republic.
However, Angola (except Luanda Province), Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Togo 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.
Drinking Age
In Germany, it is legal to enjoy soft alcoholic drinks like beer and wine at the age of 16, whereas hard drinks like spirits and liqueurs are only allowed to adults over 18. So don't wonder if you see some youngsters having a beer – it is probably legal.