These five countries allow alcohol for under-18s

While in some countries the sale and consumption of alcohol is completely banned, in many countries the ban is 18 years. For example, alcohol cannot be sold to persons under the age of 18 in Spain, Italy and the UK. By the way, these rules apply not only to local people, but also to foreign tourists.

However, there are a few countries that lower the minimum drinking age for less strong alcohol, especially in Europe. Interestingly, all German-speaking countries fall into this category. In some countries there are exceptions to the sale and consumption of alcohol by minors, even if a legal guardian is present.

The Food and Commodity Regulations of 1995 prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to children and teenagers under the age of 16. However, from the age of 16, the purchase and consumption of beer, wine, fruit wine or other fruit wines and beverages made from wine is permitted. A minimum age of 18 is required for all other alcoholic beverages. Switzerland is not the only country in Europe where these age rules apply.

The issue of youth protection in Austria has only been uniformly regulated throughout the country since 2019. As in Switzerland, the consumption and purchase of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited to persons under 16 years of age. Beverages made from non-distilled alcohol, such as wine or beer, are allowed from the 16th birthday. So-called alcopops remain banned until the age of 18 because they contain burnt alcohol, even if they have a lower alcohol content than, for example, beer or wine.

In Germany, young people over the age of 14 are legally allowed to consume beer or wine, provided they are accompanied by a guardian, such as a mother or father. However, as in Switzerland and Austria, the intake and consumption of alcohol is prohibited until the age of 16. You must wait until your 18th birthday to buy or drink alcoholic beverages.

The northern European country has similar rules to Austria when it comes to protecting minors: only buying and consuming alcohol from the age of 18, beer and wine from the age of 16. In the case of mixed drinks, care is taken to include a shot of tequila and some containing spirits, such as beer. In this case, the 18th birthday is also considered a hindrance, while beer-based mixed drinks such as fruit-flavored beer are allowed from the age of 16.

Similar to Germany, there are exceptions in France for minors provided they are accompanied by a legal guardian. In this case, the consumption of wine or beer is allowed from the age of 16. These French minimum age regulations have been in effect since 2009.

Source : Blick