The lowest legal drinking age in the world is 15, mandated in countries like Mali and the Central African Republic. Some sources also cite Burkina Faso as having a drinking age as low as 13. Additionally, several nations, such as Armenia and Cambodia, have no minimum age for alcohol consumption.

Can you drink at 15 in France?

The legal drinking age in France is currently 18-years-old, at which age residents and tourists alike can purchase alcohol or drink it in bars or restaurants.

How many 12 year olds drink alcohol?

Underage Drinking – National Statistics

The rate of current alcohol consumption increases with increasing age according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 1.3% among 12-13 year olds to nearly 5% among 14-15 years to 13% at ages 16-17, and more than doubling among 18-20 year olds (27%).

What is the legal drinking age in China?

The legal drinking age in China is 18 years old.

What is Japan's drinking age?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old, applying to all alcoholic beverages, and this law is strictly enforced for both citizens and foreigners, with violators facing fines, although some bars might ask for ID even from those who appear older. This age limit is part of Japan's Minor Drinking Prohibition Act (未成年者飲酒禁止法). 

Minimum Legal Drinking Ages Around the World | Re:Wine w/bschwitty

Is 14 the drinking age in Germany?

In Germany, the minimum age for consuming and purchasing beer and wine is 16 years old. However, for spirits and drinks containing spirits, the minimum age is 18 years old.

What's the drinking age in Ukraine?

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.

What is the legal drinking age in Thailand?

In Thailand, the legal drinking age is 20. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 increased the drinking age in Thailand from 18 to 20, private drinking is not regulated in private locations.

What is the drinking age 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.

What age can you drink in Europe?

The minimum legal drinking age in the vast majority of European countries is 18. Others range from 16 to 20, depending on where it's served, its alcohol content, and if it's within the presence of an adult.

What is the safest drinking age?

It's important that, if they ultimately choose to drink, they don't start until age 21—Not only is that age the law, research shows people who start drinking after age 21 have a lower chance of developing AUD compared with people who start younger. Even for adults, any amount of drinking could be harmful.

What is the legal age to drink in Korea?

In South Korea, individuals are legally allowed access to alcohol from January 1 of the year in which they turn 19. This study examined the effects of the legal drinking age laws in South Korea on alcohol consumption.

What is the legal drinking age in Hong Kong?

Since 2000, Hong Kong has put in place a liquor licensing system, as laid down in the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B), under which no licensee shall permit any persons under the age of 18 to drink any intoxicating liquor on any licensed premises such as bars, restaurants and clubs.

What is the drinking age in Sweden?

Drinking ages in Sweden

The minimum drinking age in bars is 18. Some bars and nightclubs might have a higher age limit for entry, though; 20 or even 25. The minimum age to buy low-alcoholic beer (containing under 3.5 % alcohol by volume) is 18.

What is the drinking age in Spain?

In contrast with the U.S., the legal drinking age in Spain is 18, except in the province of Asturias, where it is 16.

What is the drinking age in Finland?

In Finland, the legal drinking age is set by Finland alcohol laws, which specify that you must be 18 for milder drinks and 20 for stronger ones. This Finland legal drinking age is rigorously enforced, especially when it comes to buying alcohol in Finland.

What is the drinking age in Austria?

In Austria, purchasing alcohol is regulated at the regional level. There are two different age requirements – either 16 or 18 years – depending on the region and the percentage of alcohol involved.

What is the legal drinking age in Iceland?

The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20. Grocery stores only have low-alcohol beer; all other alcohol is sold in state-controlled stores called Vínbúð, with limited opening hours.

What is the legal drinking age in Belgium?

Alcohol. In Belgium, the legal age for purchasing or being served beer and wine is 16, while for spirits and stronger alcoholic beverages it is 18.

Why can't you drink between 2 and 5 in Thailand?

The ban from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be lifted on a trial basis for 180 days, after which its effects will be evaluated. An afternoon ban on selling beer, spirits and wine was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule, though the original reasons for the measure are now obscure.

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