What is Europe's drinking age?

Teenage binge drinking is much more prevalent in Europe than in the US, a disparity often attributed to the large difference in minimum legal drinking ages (MLDAs). While US teenagers are prohibited from drinking alcohol before turning 21, the MLDA in most European countries is 18.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cepr.org


Where in Europe can you drink at 16?

In Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, and Denmark, you can also drink beer and wine at 16 years, and you must be 18 to drink harder alcohol such as distilled spirits.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on worldatlas.com


What country has a drinking age of 14?

Germany — 16 for beer and wine (14 if with parent or guardian), 18 for spirits. Ghana — Age to purchase is 18.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on worldpopulationreview.com


What country has lowest drinking age?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vinepair.com


Why is Europe's drinking age 18?

The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18. The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is the effect on the brain in adolescents.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


Why the US drinking age is 21



What is German drinking 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).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fra.europa.eu


Can Americans drink at 18 in Europe?

In most places in Europe, you can buy and drink alcohol of any kind if you're over 18.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on getaway.10best.com


Can a 16 year old American drink in Italy?

In Italy, minors (anyone under the age of 18) are not able to legally purchase or consume alcohol in bars, restaurants or even outdoors (although it is very unlikely for a restaurateur or server to “card” someone who appears to be younger than that when they are drinking with their parents).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on moretimetotravel.com


What is England's drinking age?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gov.uk


What is Japan's drinking age?

In Japan, the legal adult age is 20. Japanese law prohibits individuals under the age of 20 to drink alcohol or smoke.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on chiba-u.ac.jp


What is the drinking age in Russia?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theculturetrip.com


What is Canada's drinking age?

Standard drinks per week per person are calculated for each person of legal drinking age in Canada. The legal drinking age is 19 years and older in every province and territory except Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta where it is 18 years and older.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on www150.statcan.gc.ca


What age can you drink in Mexico?

The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on velasresorts.com


Why is Germany's drinking age so low?

In contrast to many other countries, legislation is relatively lenient and not designed to keep young people away from alcohol, but rather intended to teach them an appropriate approach to alcohol consumption, which is reflected by one of the lowest drinking ages in the world.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


What is USA drinking age?

The MLDA in the United States is 21 years. However, prior to the enactment of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the legal age when alcohol could be purchased varied from state to state.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cdc.gov


What country can you drink at 13?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cnn.com


Which US states can you drink at 18?

Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota: The legal drinking age is 18 for 3.2% ABV beer, and 21 for beer stronger than 3.2% ABV, wine, and liquor.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


Can you drink at 14 in Canada?

Currently, the MLDA is 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 years in the rest of the Canadian provinces and territories.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ccsa.ca


What is the drinking age in Korea?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gn.go.kr


What's the legal drinking age in Bahamas?

Drinking Laws -- Alcohol is sold in liquor stores and various convenience stores; it's readily available at all hours, though not for sale on Sundays. The legal drinking age in The Bahamas is 18.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on frommers.com


Can you drink at 13 in Italy?

The minimum age to legally drink alcohol in Italy is 18, like in many other European countries (Spain, France, Portugal, etc.).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on whythisplace.com


What is the drinking age in Greece?

Here's how to stay safe and enjoy the nightlife in Greece. 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on worldnomads.com