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How can I get alcohol under 18 UK?
You can be stopped, fined or arrested by police if you’re under 18 and drinking alcohol in public. If you’re under 18, it’s against the law:
for someone to sell you alcohol to buy or try to buy alcohol for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you to drink alcohol in licensed premises (such as a pub or restaurant)
However, if you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal. If you’re 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you’re accompanied by an adult.
At what age is it OK to drink alcohol?
Rates of drinking and binge drinking among those under 21 – The 2019 found that among high school students, 29% drank alcohol and 14% binge drank during the past 30 days.14 In 2021, the reported that 7% of 8th graders and 26% of 12th graders drank alcohol during the past 30 days, and 3% of 8th graders and 12% of 12th graders binge drank during the past 2 weeks.15 In 2014, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York State Liquor Authority found that more than half (58%) of the licensed alcohol retailers in the City sold alcohol to underage decoys.17 Communities can enhance the effectiveness of age 21 MLDA laws by actively enforcing them.
- A Community Guide review found that enhanced enforcement of laws prohibiting alcohol sales to minors reduced the ability of youthful-looking decoys to purchase alcoholic beverages by a median of 42%.16
- Alcohol sales to minors are still a common problem in communities.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration., Washington, DC.2001.
- Committee on Substance Abuse, Kokotailo PK., Pediatrics,2010;125(5):1078-1087.
- DeJong W, Blanchette J., J Stud Alcohol Drugs,2014;75 Suppl 17:108-115.
- Task Force on Community Preventive Services., Am J Prev Med,2001;21(4 Suppl):16-22.
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Why 21? 2018;, Accessed May 3, 2018.
- Shults RA, Elder RW, Sleet DA, et al., Am J Prev Med,2001;21(4 Suppl):66-88.
- Serdula MK, Brewer RD, Gillespie C, Denny CH, Mokdad A., Am J Prev Med,2004;26(4):294-298
- National Prevention Council., Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2011.
- Bonnie RJ and O’Connell ME, editors. National Research Council and Institute of Medicine., Committee on Developing a Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Underage Drinking. Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2004.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., Accessed April 19, 2022.
- Sacks JJ, Gonzales KR, Bouchery EE, Tomedi LE, Brewer RD., Am J Prev Med,2015;49(5):e73-79.
- Miller JW, Naimi TS, Brewer RD, Jones SE., Pediatrics,2007;119(1):76-85.
- Department of Health and Human Services. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General;2007.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Suppl 2020;69(1):1–83.
- Johnston LD, Miech RA, O’Malley PM, Bachman JG, Schulenberg JE, Patrick ME., Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan; 2022.
- Elder R, Lawrence B, Janes G, et al., Transportation Research E-Circular,2007;E-C123:181-188.
- The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene., Accessed October 18, 2016.
Can a 16 year old buy alcohol UK?
Under 18? – If you are under 18, it is illegal to buy alcohol (this includes in any shop or supermarket, off licenses, bars, clubs or restaurants and buying on line). It is illegal to buy alcohol for someone under 18 in a licensed premises, the only exception is for 16 or 17 year-olds who are allowed to drink beer, wine or cider with food if with an adult (but they may not buy the alcohol themselves).
Does everyone have to show ID when buying alcohol UK?
Minors and alcohol in off-licences – Anyone under 18 may only enter an off-licence if they are accompanied by someone aged 21 or older. Otherwise off-licences must deny entry to young people under 18. Young people must always be able to show valid ID at the checkout.
Can a 17 year old bring alcohol to UK?
Alcohol and tobacco allowances are only available to those aged 17 and over. This means if you are under 17 and bring back any of these goods you must pay tax and duty on the full amount. * All references to tobacco products include herbal smoking products.
What is the lowest drinking age in?
The Legal Drinking Age in Each Country For many, being able to buy a legal drink is a sign of maturity and freedom — and perhaps a harbinger of questionable decisions and good times to come. While 21 years old is the standard for most of the United States (looking at you, ), many consumers across the world have earlier introductions to alcohol.
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. Seven countries do not have a government-mandated drinking age, while 11 countries ban the consumption of booze entirely.
Don’t Miss A Drop Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. In Canada, India, and the United Arab Emirates, different regions have varying legal drinking ages. Want to know more about legal drinking ages around the world? Check out the map below to discover the legal minimum drinking ages of countries around the world!
What to do if baby accidentally drinks alcohol?
Special note to parents – The National Poison Control Center phone number is 800-222-1222. Put this on speed dial on your phone. And also keep it posted in your home. Call Poison Control and 911 right away if you think your child has ingested alcohol. Have the following information ready when you call:
The name of the substance How much is missing How long ago it happened The child’s age and weight Whether the child is having any symptoms Your phone number to stay in touch with you
Can you drink under 21 in the UK?
It’s legal: for over 18s to buy beer, wine or cider for 16 and 17 year olds if they’re having a meal together in licensed premises, like a pub. for 5 to 17 year olds to drink alcohol at home or other private premises.
Can a 17 year old bring alcohol to UK?
Alcohol and tobacco allowances are only available to those aged 17 and over. This means if you are under 17 and bring back any of these goods you must pay tax and duty on the full amount. * All references to tobacco products include herbal smoking products.
Does everyone have to show ID when buying alcohol UK?
Minors and alcohol in off-licences – Anyone under 18 may only enter an off-licence if they are accompanied by someone aged 21 or older. Otherwise off-licences must deny entry to young people under 18. Young people must always be able to show valid ID at the checkout.