The Legal Drinking Age in Each Country [MAP] (2024)

FAQs

Which country has the lowest drinking age in the world? ›

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.

While US teenagers are prohibited from drinking alcohol before turning 21, the MLDA in most European countries is 18.

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.

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.

The legal drinking age is 18. 5. Open alcohol containers in public are illegal in Mexico. You may face a fine or time in jail.

Legal drinking age versus per capita

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.

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).

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).

Can you drink at 14 in Italy? ›

The minimum age to legally drink alcohol in Italy is 18, like in many other European countries (Spain, France, Portugal, etc.).

There is some similarity between DUI-related laws in Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland, but there are also differences. For example, the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, and for those 18–20 years of age, BAC levels must be lower than . 02.

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.

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. However, this isn't always the case. It can also depend on the specific conditions for that premises. It's illegal to give alcohol to children under 5.

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.

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.

Anyone under 18 is not allowed to buy alcohol or drink alcohol in a place other than a private house. It is an offence for a person to: buy alcohol for someone under 18 years of age. send a young person under 18 years of age to get alcohol from a licensed premises.

What is the minimum drinking age in Italy? The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.

Although there are rarely any guards strictly asking for your ID when heading for the bar in Cuba, the legal drinking age is set to 16 years of age – for Cubans and foreigners alike.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.

Is Hawaii strict on drinking age? ›

As mentioned above, the legal Hawaii drinking age is 21 years old. This means anyone under 21 is prohibited from purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages in Hawaii.

People must be at least 21 years of age to legally consume alcoholic beverages in Texas with certain exceptions, as in any other state in the United States. However, employment at a company serving alcoholic beverages can be entered into at age 18 provided they get certified by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The minimum legal drinking age in Cancun, Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that you show a photo identification as proof of age when purchasing alcohol.

Cambodia, Macau, and Vietnam don't have a minimum age for purchasing or drinking alcohol. In other parts of Asia, the minimum drinking age varies. Malaysia (16), China (18), South Korea (19), Japan (20), and Thailand (20) are notable countries that have different minimum drinking ages.

Legal drinking age in Dominican Republic is 18. We might ask for an I.D. at any time. Under-age drinking and providing alcohol to minors is punished by law. Introducing alcohol to the premises or taking it out of the premises is not allowed.

See apply for non-beverage alcohol exemption for more information. What is the legal drinking age in B.C.? The legal drinking age is 19. Anyone under 19 is a minor.

With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and DC allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circ*mstances such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.

AGE RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN EUROPE: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY ARE THEY SET? The most common alcohol minimum purchasing age in the European Region is 18 years old.

The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 years old

The restaurant could be fined. Those under the age of 16 may purchase beer or wine if accompanied by parents - If children under the age of 16 who wants to try the wines in Spain, then a parent or an older person would proxy the person under 16 to buy alcoholic beverage.

At what age can you drink alcohol in Switzerland? ›

Alcohol is sold in supermarkets. The age limit for the purchase of wine and beer is 16 years, and 18 years for high-proof alcohol. There is no nationwide minimum age for the purchase of tobacco in Switzerland. Depending on the canton, the minimum age is either 16 or 18.

Drinking. You have to be 18 years old to drink alcohol in Spain. It is forbidden to give alcoholic drinks to people who are younger than 18 years, regardless whether it's free or with the consent of the parents.

The legal drinking age in France is 18 years for ALL ALCOHOL INCLUDING WINE AND BEER. Before 2009, it was legal for 16-18 year olds to drink “fermented” beverages such as cider, wine and beer, but the laws have changed, and now it's 18 for all alcoholic beverages.

It is strictly prohibited to sell or offer alcohol to young people under the age of 18 years. Likewise, underage drinking is not allowed in licensed bars and restaurants.

The minimum age to legally drink alcohol in Portugal is 18, as in most European countries such as Spain, Italy, and France. The law has an exception – minors aged 16 can legally consume a glass of beer or wine in a restaurant. Remember to have a photo of your ID/passport when buying alcohol in Portugal.

The official legal drinking age in Greece is 18 in public and you also have to be 18 to buy alcohol. In reality, these laws are not strictly enforced and in many tourist zones, they're not enforced at all.

Liquor Laws -- You must be 18 to drink in Portugal.

The drinking age is 18. But be aware that it is highly offensive to be seen drunk in public. Unlike Australia, France has no tradition of drinking for the sake of getting drunk. Having said that, if a family is dining in a restaurant, and a teenager has a glass of wine, the probability is that nobody will say anything.

Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws specify the legal age when an individual can purchase alcoholic beverages. 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.

What is Sint Maarten drinking age? The Island of Sint Maarten/ St Martin legal age is 18.

Where is the drinking age 16 in Mexico? ›

Can you drink at 16 in Mexico? No, you cannot drink legally in Mexico at age 16. The minimum age for drinking alcohol in all states is 18 years old and underage drinking is not allowed.

The legal drinking age is in Jamaica is now 18 years.

By law, vendors are not permitted to serve anyone who is under this age or allow them to purchase drinks containing alcohol, yet there are some places where these laws are overlooked.

Legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. We might ask for an I.D. at any time. Under-age drinking and providing alcohol to minors is punished by law. Introducing alcohol to the premises or taking it out of the premises is not allowed.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D with birth date is required. In keeping with U.S. federal law, the age for the sale of tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.

It is an offence for a person under 18 to buy alcohol or drink alcohol in a pub. If you are under 18 you can have alcohol confiscated by the police if it is being drunk in a public place.

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.

Alcohol-free drinks can actually contain a small amount of alcohol (up to 0.5% ABV), so they aren't suitable if you want or need to avoid alcohol completely, or for children.

1. Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest drinking age at 13 years.

Legal drinking age in Turkey is 18. Anyone over the age of 18 can drink and buy alcohol in Turkey.

The legal drinking age is 18. 5. Open alcohol containers in public are illegal in Mexico. You may face a fine or time in jail.

What is Germany's 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). Sweden set the minimum age for purchasing beverages with more than 3.5 % of alcohol at 20 years.

It is not legal to drink or consume alcohol in Greece in public at 16 years of age but the is no legal minimum age for drinking alcohol in private. The legal drinking age in Greece is 18 for drinking in public and for purchasing alcohol.

Alcohol. Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.

The age limit for the purchase of wine and beer is 16 years, and 18 years for high-proof alcohol. There is no nationwide minimum age for the purchase of tobacco in Switzerland. Depending on the canton, the minimum age is either 16 or 18.

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.

The only way that someone below the age of 18 can legally drink alcohol in Ireland is it they're in a private residence and if they have parental permission.

The minimum age to legally drink alcohol in Portugal is 18, as in most European countries such as Spain, Italy, and France. The law has an exception – minors aged 16 can legally consume a glass of beer or wine in a restaurant. Remember to have a photo of your ID/passport when buying alcohol in Portugal.