View source for Legal drinking age

{{Short description|Minimum age at which a person can legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages}}
{{Multiple issues|{{More citations needed|date=July 2021}}
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The '''legal drinking age''' is the minimum age at which a person can [[legally]] consume [[alcoholic beverage]]s. The minimum age alcohol can be legally consumed can be different from the age when it can be purchased in some countries. These laws vary between countries and many laws have exemptions or special circumstances. Most laws apply only to [[Drinking in public|drinking alcohol in public places]] with alcohol consumption in the home being mostly unregulated (one of the exceptions being England and Wales, which have a minimum legal age of five for supervised consumption in private places). Some countries also have different age limits for different [[List of alcoholic drinks|types of alcohol drinks]].<ref name="IARD" />

[[File:Drinking Age - Global.svg|thumb|center|800px|'''Minimum legal age to purchase alcohol by country:'''<br />{{legend|#4a4a49|Prohibited at any age}}  {{legend|#27A0CD|25 or older}}  {{Legend striped|#27a9cd|#fc8d62|25 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 21)}}  {{legend|#fb8c62|21}}{{Legend striped|#fc8d62|#66c3a6|21 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)}}  {{legend|#c862fb|20}}  {{Legend striped|#c962fc|#66c2a5|20  (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 18)}}  {{legend|#8c9fca|19}}  {{legend|#66c3a6|18}}  {{Legend striped|#66c2a5|#a6d854|18 (supervised drinking/fermented alcoholic beverages from the age of 16)}}  {{legend|#e78ac3|17}}  {{legend|#a6d854|16}}  {{legend|#FFF37A|15 or younger}}  {{legend|#c0c0c0ff|No regulation/no age set}}|alt=]]
The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 18.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/drinking-ages-around-the-world.html |title= Drinking Ages Around The World |last= Misachi |first= John |date= 21 December 2020 |website= Worldatlas.com |access-date= 7 July 2021}}</ref> The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is the [[Long-term impact of alcohol on the brain|effect on the brain]] in adolescents. Since the brain is still maturing, alcohol can have a [[Effects of alcohol on memory|negative effect on the memory]] and long-term thinking. Alongside that, it can cause [[Alcoholic liver disease|liver failure]], and create a [[Long-term effects of alcohol consumption#Hormonal imbalance|hormone imbalance]] in teens due to the constant changes and maturing of hormones during [[puberty]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502053021/http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 May 2006 |title=Underage Drinking |publisher=National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism |date=January 2006 |access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in [[secondary school|high schools]],<ref>[https://ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/CCSA-Impact-Effectiveness-MLDA-Legislation-2017-en.pdf The Impact and Effectiveness of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Legislation in Canada] ccsa.ca</ref> while others like the [[United States]] have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 (except in [[Puerto Rico|P.R.]] and [[United States Virgin Islands|USVI]], where the drinking age is 18) in an effort to reduce the amount of [[Drunk driving in the United States|drunk driving]] rates among [[Teenager (word)|teenagers]] and [[young adult]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/minimum-legal-drinking-age.htm#:~:text=A%20Minimum%20Legal%20Drinking%20Age,United%20States%20is%2021%20years | title=Minimum legal drinking age of 21 saves lives &#124; CDC | date=19 April 2022 }}</ref>

There are ''[[underage club]]s'', where people below the legal drinking age are catered for and are served non-alcoholic beverages.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Are teen clubs safe for kids? |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2004/03/04/are-teen-clubs-safe-for-kids/62000320007/ |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=7 September 1962 |title=Youth: Teen-Age Nightclubs |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,870130,00.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>
{{Youth rights sidebar}}
==Africa==
The most common minimum age to purchase alcohol in Africa is 18. However, Angola (except Luanda Province), Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali have no laws on the books restricting the sale of alcohol to minors. In Libya, Somalia and Sudan the sale, production and consumption of alcohol is completely prohibited.{{synthesis inline|date=October 2018}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Algeria}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=Drinking age in Algeria|url=https://drinkingagein.com/algeria|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Drinking Age in Countries Around the World|language=en}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" | 18<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Minimum Legal Age Limits |url=https://www.iard.org/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=International Alliance for Responsible Drinking |language=en}}</ref>
|Order No. 26-75 (1975), Article 14
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flag|Angola}}
|
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" colspan="2" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanchildforum.org/clr/Harmonisation%20of%20Laws%20in%20Africa/other-documents-harmonisation_8_en.pdf|title=PROTECTION FROM DRUG ABUSE/ MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL LAWS|publisher=The African Child Policy Forum|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| There is no national legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.
|-
|[[Luanda Province]]
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2" | 18<ref name="Decreto Executivo nº 87/08 de 10 julho">{{cite web|url=http://www.luanda.gov.ao/verlegislacao.aspx?id=434|title=Sobre o acesso de menores a espectáculos nocturnos, e o consumo e a comercialização de bebidas alcoólicas por menores|publisher=Governo Provincial de Luanda|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209114749/http://www.luanda.gov.ao/verlegislacao.aspx?id=434|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Legislation in [[Luanda Province]]: It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. It is also prohibited for minors to buy and consume alcohol.<ref name="Decreto Executivo nº 87/08 de 10 julho"/>
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Benin}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20
|Republic of Benin Report to UN Committee on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/BEN/2 (2005):

* Article 8 of the decree of 10 June 1942 regulating the production, import, advertisement, sale, and consumption of alcohol beverages in French West Africa, prohibits the sale or free supply of alcohol beverages to minors under 20.
* Article 13 stipulates fines ranging from CFAF 200,000 to CFAF 1 million for such offences, doubled in the case of repeat offences.
* There are no official measures prohibiting children from consuming alcohol, tobacco or other substances harmful to their health.
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Botswana}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008">{{cite web|url=https://www.a-mla.org/images/acts/LIQOUR%20ACT,%202004.pdf.pdf|title=Liquor Act 2008 – Section 32|publisher=Government of Botswana|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313032128/https://www.a-mla.org/images/acts/LIQOUR%20ACT,%202004.pdf.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> <small>(prohibited for any person to supply)</small><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008" />
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years. Since the law only applies to licenses, it is not prohibited for minors to buy, consume, or possess alcohol beverages.<ref name="Botswana Liquor Act 2008" /> It is also prohibited for any person to expose or supply alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years.<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL" />
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Burundi}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Code Penal Burundi">{{cite web|url=https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/applic/ihl/ihl-nat.nsf/0/cb9d300d8db9fc37c125707300338af2/$FILE/Code%20P%C3%A9nal%20du%20Burundi%20.pdf|title=Code Pénal du Burundi – Article 501 et 502|publisher=MINISTRE DE LA JUSTICE ET GARDE|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18 <small>(unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian)</small><ref name="Code Penal Burundi" />
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Cameroon}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 21<br />18 <small>(if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older)</small><ref name="Cameroon Penal Code">{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/fr/text.jsp?file_id=425156|title=Law No. 2016/007 of July 12, 2016, relating to the Penal Code – Section 348|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. The law permits adults from the ages 18 to 21 to consume, purchase and buy alcohol beverages if accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older. Anyone over the age of 21 years may buy or consume alcohol unaccompanied.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cape Verde}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Cap Verde Liquor Law">{{cite web|url=https://www.minsaude.gov.cv/index.php/documentosite/342-1-plano-alcool-b-o-i-serie-n-29-de-18-de-abril-de-2016/file|title=Lei n.° 27/V/97|publisher=Imprensa Nacional de Cabo Verde|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310072221/http://minsaude.gov.cv/index.php/documentosite/342-1-plano-alcool-b-o-i-serie-n-29-de-18-de-abril-de-2016/file|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Cap Verde Liquor Law"/>
| It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Central African Republic}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 15 <small>(off-premises)</small>, or 21 <small>(on-premises)</small><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Central African Republic |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/caf.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
|It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 15 years when sold or supplied off-premises (e.g., liquor stores, wine stores, and supermarkets). It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 21 years when sold or supplied on-premises (e.g., restaurants, bars, and cafes).<ref name=":1" />
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Chad}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Law 2017-01 Penal Code Chapter 6 Articles 376–378 establish penalties for licensees who permit entry to youth below age 16 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, sell or offer alcohol beverages to youth below age 18 unaccompanied by a supervising adult, or serve a person below age 18 to intoxication.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Comoros}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Comoros |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/com.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
|It is prohibited for any person to sell or supply alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.<ref name=":2" />
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Djibouti}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |None
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Egypt}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |21 
|Law No. 371 of 1956 concerning public shops and the resolutions implementing it
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 21<ref>{{Cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Equatorial Guinea |date=2014 |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/gnq.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eritrea}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Penal Code Eritrea">{{cite web|url=https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/penal-code_html/PENAL_CODE_ERITREA.pdf|title=Penal Code of Eritrea – Article 267|publisher=United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092456/https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/penal-code_html/PENAL_CODE_ERITREA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Penal Code Eritrea"/>
| It is prohibited for any person to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/> 
|Liquor Licenses Act (1964) Section 27
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ethiopia}}
| colspan="2" align="center" |21<ref name="Penal of Ethiopia">{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/et/et011en.pdf|title=Criminal Code, 2004 – Article 531 & 818|publisher=WIPO|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethiopia: Plans To Strengthen Alcohol Control |url=https://movendi.ngo/news/2019/02/06/ethiopia-improves-alcohol-control/ |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=Movendi International |language=en-US}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any person to sell, offer, serve or allow to serve alcohol beverages "in substantial quantities" to any infant or young person. The criminal code defines a young person as any person under the age of 18 years. But the Criminal Code Proclamation 414 (2004) states: "Whoever endangers the health of another, intentionally and unscrupulously, by administering or serving, or by causing or permitting to be administered or served, to minors (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years) (...) alcohol beverages or spirituous liquors of such kind or in such quantity as to make their injurious effect certain or probable, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, and fine." 
The Revised Family Code Proclamation No. 213 (2000) Article 215 defines a minor as anyone who has not attained the full age of 18.

In 2019, the Ethiopian parliament passed a bill that bans a specific category of alcohol advertising in the media and also increases the age limit for purchasing alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gabon}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Penal Code (1963), Article 209bis-1
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gambia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: State Party Report: Gambia">{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=search&docid=3df5a6d17&skip=0&query=liquor&coi=GMB|title=Drug Control Decree and Decree No. 80 of 1996|publisher=UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| align="center" | 16<ref name="UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: State Party Report: Gambia"/><ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| Under the Liquor License Act (1957) it is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to "anyone under the apparent age of 16".
A "young person" is defined as anyone under the age of 17 by the Children and Young Persons Act, 1949 Section 2.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ghana}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ghana LIQUOR LICENSING ACT – 1970">{{cite web|url=http://laws.ghanalegal.com/acts/id/87/section/15/Young_Persons_To_Be_Excluded|title=LIQUOR LICENSING ACT – 1970 (ACT 331) – Section 15 – Young Persons to be Excluded.|publisher=Ghana Legal|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Kenya}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT KENYA">{{cite web|url=http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/Alcoholic_Drinks_Control_Act__No4of2010.pdf|title=ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT – SECTION 28|publisher=National Council for Law Reporting|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" | 18<ref name="ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CONTROL ACT KENYA"/>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Lesotho}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="LIQUOR LICENSING ACT 1998 LESOTHO">{{cite web|url=https://www.lesothotradeportal.org.ls/index.php?r=site/display&id=57#39|title=LIQUOR LICENSING ACT 1998 – Section 39|publisher=Ministry of Tourism Environment and Culture|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092438/https://www.lesothotradeportal.org.ls/index.php?r=site%2Fdisplay&id=57#39|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a minor under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for minors to consume, buy or attempt to buy alcohol.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Liberia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years; "this section shall not apply to a parent or guardian who serves an alcoholic beverage to his child or ward" Penal Law of 1976 Sec 16.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Libya}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | Prohibited for all ages<ref name="Penal Code Libya">{{cite news|url=http://security-legislation.ly/node/33464|title=Penal Code – Article (21) of Law No. (89) of 1974 prohibiting alcohol and establish the hudud punishment for drinking|newspaper=Libya - Dcaf Legal Databases |publisher=Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| Previously Article 498 of the Libyan Penal Code prohibited the sale of alcohol beverages to juveniles under the age of 16 years.<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Malawi}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Malawi Liquor Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanchildinfo.net/clr/Legislation%20Per%20Country/Malawi/malawi_liquor_1979_en.pdf|title=Liquor Act -Section 74|publisher=The African Child Information Hub|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{Flag|Mauritania}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minimum Legal Drinking Age in Other Countries - Drinking Age - ProCon.org|url=https://drinkingage.procon.org/minimum-legal-drinking-age-in-other-countries/|access-date=2 January 2021|website=Drinking Age|language=en-US}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Mauritius}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Mauritius Child Protection Act, 1995">{{cite web|url=http://dpp.govmu.org/English/Documents/Legislation/CHILD%20PROTECTION.pdf|title=Child Protection Act, 1995 Section 16|publisher=Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313032146/http://dpp.govmu.org/English/Documents/Legislation/CHILD%20PROTECTION.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve, or supply alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Morocco}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | Restricted to 16 for non-Muslims,<br />Prohibited for Muslims
|Legislative Decision No. 3.177.66 of 1967 Art 28–29
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mozambique}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18<ref name="Sanções duras para infractores do novo regulamento">{{cite web |url=http://jornaldomingo.co.mz/index.php/sociedade/2053-sancoes-duras-para-infractores-do-novo-regulamento |title=Sanções duras para infractores do novo regulamento|publisher=Domingo|access-date=12 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313155745/http://jornaldomingo.co.mz/index.php/sociedade/2053-sancoes-duras-para-infractores-do-novo-regulamento|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Decree 54/2013 Regulations on the Control of the Production, Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2013), Article 5 (Prohibitions)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Namibia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Namibia Liquor Act 6 of 1998">{{cite web|url=http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoREG/Liquor%20Act%206%20of%201998%20-%20Regulations%202001-142%20(annotated).pdf|title=Liquor Act 6 of 1998|publisher=Legal Assistance Centre|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031902/http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoREG/Liquor%20Act%206%20of%201998%20-%20Regulations%202001-142%20(annotated).pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Niger}}
| colspan=2 align="center" | 18
|Penal Code Article 302
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None (at national level)<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| style="text-align:center;" | None (all other states)<br />18 in Abuja<br />Prohibited in Borno
|For Abuja: Municipal Area Council Bye-Law 2001 Sec 15
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="LOI N° 4-2010 DU 14 JUIN 2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/wcaro/wcaro_CONG_childprotection_framework_2010.pdf|title=LOI N° 4-2010 DU 14 JUIN 2010 Article 123|publisher=UNICEF|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912163001/http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/wcaro_CONG_childprotection_framework_2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Rwanda}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18
|Organic Law implementing the Penal Code N°01/2012/OL Articles 217 and 219
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Senegal}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="N° 3097/MINT/DAGAT/DEL/DB">{{cite web|title=N° 3097/MINT/DAGAT/DEL/DB |publisher=REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL MINISTRE DE L'INTERIEUR |url=http://www.servicepublic.gouv.sn/assets/textes/debits_de_boisson.pdf|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218232139/http://www.servicepublic.gouv.sn/assets/textes/debits_de_boisson.pdf |archive-date=18 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Saint Helena}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2021/news/underage-drinking/ | title=Underage Drinking | date=29 June 2021 }}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Seychelles}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| Chapter 113 Licenses Act (2010)

* Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Manufacturing) Regulation (1987), Article 8(5)(page 20):
** In the case of manufacturing and processing of liquor, tobacco and tobacco products, the license holder shall (i) not deliver or sell liquor to, or allow any consumption of liquor by, any person under the age of 18 years or deliver or sell tobacco or tobacco products or allow it to be used on the premises by such a person;
* Subsidiary Legislation: Licenses (Liquor and Outdoor Entertainment) Regulations (1998), Article 14 (page 28):
** (1) The holder of a license, his servant or agent shall not (a) employ or allow a person under the age of 18 years, ... (b) sell or deliver liquor, cigarettes or tobacco products to, or allow liquor to be consumed or cigarettes or any tobacco products to be used by any person under the age of 18 years on the premises; ... (i) admit any person under the age of 18 years to a premises licensed as a public bar, toddy bar or at the premises licensed to manufacture and sell baka or lapire;...
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Somalia}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| Prohibited for all ages<ref name="Acsom">{{cite web|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Somalia |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/som.pdf |publisher=World Health Organization|access-date=29 November 2014}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Africa}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| The parent, adult guardian of a minor or a person responsible for administering a religious sacrament, may on occasion supply to that minor a moderate quantity of liquor to be consumed by the minor in the presence and under the supervision of that parent, guardian or other person.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Department of Trade & Industry |journal=Government Gazette |volume=446 |issue=26294 |date=26 April 2004 |url=http://www.thedti.gov.za/business_regulation/docs/nla/act2003.pdf |title=The National Liquor Act, 59 of 2003 |access-date=8 January 2013 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106232633/http://www.thedti.gov.za/business_regulation/docs/nla/act2003.pdf%20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Sudan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Sudan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| Restricted to non-Muslims<br />Muslims: Prohibited for all ages<br />Non-Muslims: Unknown<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1029.html|title=Sudan: Country Specific Information|publisher=[[U.S. Department of State]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111012511/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1029.html|archive-date=11 January 2014}}</ref>
|Penal Code 1991, Art 78–79
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tanzania}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Tanzania Law of the Child Act 2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcdgc.go.tz/data/Law_of_the_Child_Act_2009.pdf|title=Law of the Child Act 2009 – Section 17|publisher=Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213055536/http://www.mcdgc.go.tz/data/Law_of_the_Child_Act_2009.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Togo}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
| align="center" | 20<ref name="auto1"/><br />18 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup>
|Ordinance No. 34 of 1967 Code of alcohol beverage outlets and anti-alcoholism measures Art 29
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tunisia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;" |18 
|Law 2004-75 Article 4 prohibits entry to night clubs to those under 18 with an exception for accompanied persons between 16 and 18 in certain venues, sale of alcohol beverages to whom is prohibited.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uganda}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Liquor Act 1960, Uganda">{{cite web|url=https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/consolidated-act/93|title=Liquor Act 1960 – Section 19|publisher=Uganda Legal Information Institute|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142941/https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/consolidated-act/93|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<br />16 <sup>(wine, beer, porter, cider, perry or native liquor with meal)</sup><ref name="Liquor Act 1960, Uganda"/>
| It is prohibited for any licensee to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The law provides an exception for anyone who is 16 or 17 years of age, and consumes a fermented alcohol drink with a meal, in a part of a licensed premises that serves meals and is not a bar.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Western Sahara}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" colspan="2" align="center"| None<ref name="ACPF: MINIMUM AGE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL"/>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zambia}}
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| 18<ref name="Liquor Licensing Act 2011, Zambia">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Liqour%20Licensing%20Act%2C%202011.pdf|title=THE LIQUOR LICENSING ACT, 2011 – Section 36|publisher=Government of Zambia|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref><br />16 <sup>(traditional beer)</sup><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Traditional%20Beer%20Act.pdf |title=THE TRADITIONAL BEER ACT |pages=10, 12}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any person with a liquor license, to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 years of age. Before the Liquor Licensing Act was enacted in 2011, the minimum age to sell, serve and supply alcohol beverages was 14 years.<ref>The Liquor Act, 1959 – Section 46</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="CHILDREN'S ACT ZIMBABWE">{{cite web|url=https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/76958/88827/F-860336063/ZWE76958.pdf|title=CHILDREN'S ACT – Section 78|publisher=International Labour Organisation|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18 <small>(except with parent or guardian consent)</small>
| Liquor Act Article 116 Prohibited conduct by persons in general (1) No person shall— ... (l) being a person to whom in terms of this Act the sale of liquor is prohibited, purchase or attempt to purchase liquor in contravention of such provision; .... (o) sell, lend, give, supply or deliver, or offer so to do, any liquor to any person under the age of eighteen years except with the consent of the parent or guardian of that person.

Children's Act Section 78 – It is prohibited for any person to sell, lend, give, supply, deliver or offer alcohol beverages to any child under the age of 16 years, except upon production of a written order signed by the parent or guardian of the child known to such person. The police has the duty to seize any alcohol beverage in the possession of a child under the age of 16 years without a written consent of the parents or legal guardian.<ref name="CHILDREN'S ACT ZIMBABWE" />
|}

==Americas==
In Central America, the Caribbean, and South America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 0 to 20 years (see table below). In South America in particular, the legal purchase age is 18 years, with two exceptions:
* In Paraguay, the legal drinking age and purchase age is 20 years.
* In Guyana, minors aged 16 or 17 may consume a glass of beer or wine in a restaurant provided they buy a meal.

In North America the legal drinking age and legal purchase age varies from 18 to 21 years:
* In Mexico, the drinking age is 18 in all states.
* In the United States, the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages is mainly 21 years of age; the two exceptions are Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where the age is 18. The legal drinking age varies by state, and many states have no age requirements for supervised drinking with one's parents or legal guardians.
* In Canada, most provinces have a minimum age of 19 years to buy or consume alcohol, while in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the minimum age is 18 years. Several provinces permit minors to consume alcohol if it was served to them by their parents/guardians, and it is consumed under their supervision in their home.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Liquor License Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L. 19|url=https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l19|publisher=Queen's Printer for Ontario|access-date=5 October 2021|year=2021|website=www.ontario.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/headlines/summer-safety-what-you-need-to-know-about-serving-alcohol-in-your-home-1.1319229|title=Summer Safety: What you need to know about serving alcohol in your home|date=3 July 2021|access-date=5 October 2021|website=www.cbc.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://faq.drugrehab.ca/underage-drinking-facts-in-canada|title=What are some underage drinking facts in Canada?|website=drugrehab.ca|access-date=5 October 2021|year=2010}}</ref> For further information see {{section link|Alcoholic drinks in Canada#Age}}.

In the late 20th century, much of North America changed its minimum legal drinking ages (MLDAs) as follows: {{Blockquote|text=In the 1970s, provincial and state policy makers in Canada and the United States moved to lower MLDAs (which were set at 21 years in most provinces/territories and states) to coincide with the jurisdictional [[age of majority]] — typically 18 years of age.... As a result, MLDAs were reduced in all Canadian provinces [and] in [[U.S. history of alcohol minimum purchase age by state|more than half of US states]]. In Canada, however, two provinces, Ontario [in 1979] and Saskatchewan [in 1976], quickly raised their subsequent MLDAs from 18 to 19 years in response to a few studies demonstrating an association between the lowered drinking age and increases in alcohol-related harms to youth and young adults, including increases in [[motor vehicle accidents]] (MVAs) and [[alcohol intoxication]] among high school students. Following MLDA reductions in the US, research in several states provided persuasive evidence of sharp increases in rates of fatal and nonfatal MVAs appearing immediately after the implementation of lower drinking ages. These scientific findings galvanized public pressure on lawmakers to raise MLDAs and, in response, the federal government introduced the [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] of 1984, which imposed a reduction of highway funds for states if they did not increase their MLDA to 21 years. All states complied and implemented an MLDA of 21 years by 1988.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Impacts of drinking-age laws on mortality in Canada, 1980–2009 |vauthors=Callaghan RC, Sanches M, Gatley JM, Stockwell T|journal=Drug and Alcohol Dependence|year=2014|volume=138|pages=137–145|doi=10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.019 |pmid=24631002|doi-access=free|hdl=20.500.11937/41631|hdl-access=free|issn=0376-8716}}</ref>}}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
|-
| colspan=2|''{{flag|Anguilla}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="L075-00-Liquor Licences Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.ai/laws/L075-00-Liquor%20Licences%20Act/|title=L075-00-Liquor Licences Act – 27. |publisher=Government of Anguilla|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="L075-00-Liquor Licences Act"/>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violating the regulation is punished with a $9,600 fine.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16 <small>(on premises)</small> None <small>(off premises)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-249.pdf |publisher=laws.gov.ag |title=THE LICENSING (INTOXICATING LIQUOR) ACT – CHAPTER 249 – PART V – 24. |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005432/http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/chapters/cap-249.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref></small>
| The sale and distribution of alcohol to a person under 16 years of age, and purchase by persons under 16 years of age, for consumption in licensed premises are prohibited. ID is rarely requested.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Argentina}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/40000-44999/42480/norma.htm|title=Ley Nacional De Lucha Contra El Alcoholismo|date=31 March 1997|language=es|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
|Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bahamas}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref>{{cite web |url=http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2007/2007-0001/ChildProtectionAct_1.pdf |publisher=Government of the Bahamas |title=CHILD PROTECTION ACT – PART VI – CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN SUPERVISION ORDERS – 62. (4) |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615145832/https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2007/2007-0001/ChildProtectionAct_1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any adult to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a child (defined as anyone under the age of 18 years). The law provides an exception to treat an illness in urgent cases or upon order by a medical doctor.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Barbados}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/raise-drinking-age |publisher=BARBADOS ADVOCATE |title=RAISE DRINKING AGE |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to anyone under the age of 18 years. Previously 16, the President of the Barbados Road Safety Association pushed to raise the drinking age to 18 years because the law was often violated.<ref>Henry, Anesta. "Lawmakers Raise Drinking Age to 18." ''Barbados Today''. 12 May 2021. [https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/05/12/lawmakers-raise-drinking-age-to-18 Link to article]</ref><ref>Barbados Happy Hours: Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking in Barbados. [https://barbadoshappyhours.com/frequently-asked-questions Link to article]</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Belize}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Liquor Licences Act BVI">{{cite web |url=http://www.ird.gov.vg/Portals/0/Liquor%20Licences%20Act%20%28Cap.%20106%29.pdf |publisher=ird.gov.vg |title=Liquor Licences Act (Cap. 106) – PART IV – 34: Sale of intoxicating liquor to children. |access-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005633/http://www.ird.gov.vg/Portals/0/Liquor%20Licences%20Act%20%28Cap.%20106%29.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2015 }}</ref>
|Drinking age is rarely enforced. ID is almost never requested.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Bermuda}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Liquor Licences Act Bermuda">{{cite web |url=http://www.cada.bm/images/articles/Bermuda_Liquor_Licence_Act_1974_-_with_2010_amendments_incorporated.pdf |publisher=cada.bm |title=LIQUOR LICENCE ACT 1974 – Procuring drink for drunken person or minor 42. |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118091850/http://www.cada.bm/images/articles/Bermuda_Liquor_Licence_Act_1974_-_with_2010_amendments_incorporated.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child under the age of 18 years.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bolivia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to minors under the age of 18 years.
Law 259 Against the Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (2012) Article 20
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Brazil}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="Brazil Lei 13.106/2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2015-2018/2015/lei/l13106.htm |title=LEI Nº 13.106, DE 17 DE MARÇO DE 2015. Art. 1o, Art. 2o |publisher=Presidência da República Casa Civil|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol beverage to a person under 18 years of age. The presidential law enacted on 17 March 2015 made any violation of the law a criminal offence. Any adult person selling, serving, giving or supplying alcohol beverages to a minor is punished with imprisonment of 2 to 4 years, a fine of R$3.000 to R$10.000 and a ban to operate any business selling or serving alcohol.
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|British Virgin Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|16<ref name="Liquor Licences Act BVI"/>
| It is prohibited to sell or to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 16. ID is rarely requested.
|-
| rowspan=2| {{flag|Canada}}
| {{flag|Alberta}}<br />{{flag|Manitoba}}<br />{{flag|Quebec}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="Alberta GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT"/><ref name="Manitoba The Liquor and Gaming Control Act"/><ref name="Quebec ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS"/>
| In Alberta no person may give or sell or permit any person to give or sell liquor to a minor in licensed premises.<ref name="Alberta GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT">{{cite web|url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/g01.pdf |title=GAMING AND LIQUOR ACT – Supplying liquor to minor – 75 |publisher=Alberta Queen's Printer|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> In Manitoba a person must not give, sell or otherwise supply liquor to a minor. The law provides exceptions for a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professional for medical purposes; for sacramental purposes and by the parent, guardian, spouse or common-law partner, if it is given or supplied in a residence.<ref name="Manitoba The Liquor and Gaming Control Act">{{cite web|url=http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/l153e.php |title=The Liquor and Gaming Control Act – No providing liquor to minors – 62 (1) and (2)|publisher=Manitoba Queen's Printer|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> In Quebec the law prohibits the sale of alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years.<ref name="Quebec ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS">{{cite web|url=http://legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/ShowDoc/cs/P-9.1 |title=ACT RESPECTING LIQUOR PERMITS|publisher=Gouvernement du Québec|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Ontario}}<br />{{flag|Saskatchewan}}<br />{{flag|British Columbia}}<br />{{flag|Newfoundland and Labrador}}<br />{{flag|Nova Scotia}}<br />{{flag|New Brunswick}}<br />{{flag|Prince Edward Island}}<br />{{flag|Northwest Territories}}<br />{{flag|Yukon}}<br />{{flag|Nunavut}}
| style="text-align:center;" |None
| align=center|19
| Ontario's [[Liquor Licence Act (Ontario)|Liquor Licence Act]] permits the supply and consumption of liquor to those under the age of 19. However, supplying a person under the age of 19 is restricted to the person's parent or legal guardian, and may only occur in a residence or in a private place of the parent or legal guardian. A person under the age of 19 who was supplied liquor in this manner is permitted to consume the liquor only in the place it was supplied.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l19#BK34|title=Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19 s.30 Rules, persons under 19|date=24 July 2014 |publisher=Queen's Printer for Ontario|access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Cayman Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="LIQUOR LICENSING LAW">{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/POL/INFORMATIONGUIDES/FREQUENTLYCONSULTEDLAWS/LIQUOR2000.PDF |publisher=gov.ky |title=LIQUOR LICENSING LAW – 21., 22. |access-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912014454/http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/CIGHOME/FIND/ORGANISATIONS/AZAGENCIES/POL/INFORMATIONGUIDES/FREQUENTLYCONSULTEDLAWS/LIQUOR2000.PDF |archive-date=12 September 2015 }}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for any minor to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol beverages. Violation of the law is punished with a fine of five thousand dollars, and the court may, if the offence was committed by the licensee, order that the licensee shall forfeit his licence and that no licence may be issued to that person for a period not exceeding ten years from the date of his conviction.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Chile}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="IARD">{{cite web|url=https://www.iard.org/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits|title=Minimum Legal Age Limits|date=January 2019|website=IARD|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
| The minimum age is 18 to enter an enclosure that sells alcohol beverages. Selling alcohol to a minor may incur a fine. One must provide identification upon request. Residents of Chile over the age of 18 must carry their [[identity card#Chile|Chilean identification card]] issued by the Civil Registry and Identification Service at all times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=220208 |title=LAW ON EXPENDITURE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES |language=es |access-date=7 September 2017}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Colombia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Colombia LEY 124 DE 1994">{{cite web |url=http://www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/normas/Norma1.jsp?i=291 |publisher=Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C |title=LEY 124 DE 1994 – Artículo 1º. |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Colombia LEY 124 DE 1994"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Costa Rica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Costa Rica Ley n.º 7633">{{cite web |url=http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/leyderegulaciondehorarios.pdf |publisher=Secretaría Jurídica Distrital de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C |title=Ley n.º 7633 – REGULACIÓN DE HORARIOS DE FUNCIONAMIENTO EN EXPENDIOS DE BEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS – ARTÍCULO 5.-|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 18 years). Selling alcohol to a minor will be punished with a fine equivalent to ten basic salaries. Whoever permits minors to maintain in any establishment which main purpose is to sell alcohol beverages, will be sanctioned with a fine equivalent to five salaries. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Costa Rica Ley n.º 7633"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cuba}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<ref name="Cuba CODIGO PENAL">{{cite web |url=https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.cu/html/ipenal.html |publisher=gacetaoficial.gob.cu |title=CODIGO PENAL – ARTICULO 313.1.- |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=19 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019063656/http://www.gacetaoficial.gob.cu/html/ipenal.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| The penal code prohibits any adult to induce any young person under the age of 16 years, to habitually consume alcohol beverages. However this means that de facto anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol should check if the buyer has attained the age of 16 years. In most cases this law is not strictly enforced.<ref name="Cuba CODIGO PENAL"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubahora.cu/sociedad/tragos-amargos |publisher=CUBAHORA |title=Tragos amargos |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Dominica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16
|Laws of Dominica Liquor Licences Act Chapter 70:03, Part IV, Sec 15(f)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Dominican Republic}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Alcohol y menores">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnd.com.do/index.php/alcohol-y-menores/introduccion |publisher=cnd.com.do |title=Alcohol y menores de edad |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103005732/http://www.cnd.com.do/index.php/alcohol-y-menores/introduccion |archive-date=3 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ecuador}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ley Ecuador">{{cite web |url=http://www.dpe.gob.ec/wp-content/dpetransparencia2014/literala/BaseLegalQueRigeLaInstitucion/ReglamentoLeyOrganicaConsumidor.pdf |publisher=Secretario General de la Administración Pública |title=REGLAMENTO GENERAL A LA LEY ORGANICA DE DEFENSA DEL CONSUMIDOR PUBLICADA EN EL SUPLEMENTO DEL REGISTRO OFICIAL No. 116 DEL 10 DE JULIO DEL 2000. – Art. 54.- b) |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803213955/http://www.dpe.gob.ec/wp-content/dpetransparencia2014/literala/BaseLegalQueRigeLaInstitucion/ReglamentoLeyOrganicaConsumidor.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years of age. The law obligates establishments to place a visible notice at the point of sale and to check identification to enforce the law. However it is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Ley Ecuador"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|El Salvador}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS">{{cite web |url=https://sansalvador.gob.sv/phocadownload/userupload/Sindicatura/LEY-REGULADORA-DE-LA-PRODUCCION-Y-COMERCIALIZACION-DE-ALCOHOL-Y-BEBIDAS-ALCOHOLICAS.pdf |publisher=Gobierno de San Salvador |title=LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS – Art. 49.- |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118091846/https://sansalvador.gob.sv/phocadownload/userupload/Sindicatura/LEY-REGULADORA-DE-LA-PRODUCCION-Y-COMERCIALIZACION-DE-ALCOHOL-Y-BEBIDAS-ALCOHOLICAS.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| It is strictly prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to a minor under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is punished with [[Salvadoran colón|₡]]25,000.00 and if convicted once more the license will be suspended for a period of six months. It is legal for minors to buy, attempt to buy and consume alcohol.<ref name="LEY REGULADORA DE LA PRODUCCION Y COMERCIALIZACION DEL ALCOHOL Y DE LAS BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS"/>
|-
| colspan=2|''{{flag|Falkland Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993">{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.fk/view/whole/inforce/2018-03-18/fiord-1993-3?query=((Repealed%253DN%2520AND%2520DocType%253D%2522fiord%2522%2520AND%2520PitValid%253D%2540pointInTime(20180318174407)%2520AND%2520DocStatus%253D%2522inforce%2522)%2520OR%2520(Repealed%253DN%2520AND%2520DocType%253D%2522fisl%2522%2520AND%2520PitValid%253D%2540pointInTime(20180318174407)%2520AND%2520DocStatus%253D%2522inforce%2522))%2520AND%2520Year%253D1993&displayQuery=[{%22name%22:%22Document%20types%22,%22value%22:%22In%20force%20Ordinances,%20In%20force%20Secondary%20Legislation%22},{%22name%22:%22Query%22},{%22name%22:%22Year%22,%22value%22:%221993%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22},{%22name%22:%22Number%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22},{%22name%22:%22Point%20in%20time%22,%22value%22:%2218/03/2018%22,%22operator%22:%22AND%22}]#sec.4|publisher=Government of the Falkland Islands |title=Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993 – Sections 3, 4 and 5|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for any adult to sell, give or provide alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years in any public place or licensed premises. Parents may permit their children to consume alcohol on private premises. Minors consuming alcohol in public are committing a criminal offence. The law provides exceptions for the consumption of alcohol by minors for prescription of or at the direction of a government medical officer or in the course of the administration of Holy Communion according to the rites of any Christian denomination.<ref name="Control of Drinking by Juveniles Ordinance 1993"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Grenada}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<br />None <small>(off-premise)</small>
|Chapter 174 Liquor Dealers' Licenses Act (1988), accessible through the Laws of Grenada Portal
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guatemala}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="Guatemala DECRETO NUMERO 90-97">{{cite web |url=http://www.cicad.oas.org/fortalecimiento_institucional/legislations/pdf/gt/decreto_congresional_90-97.pdf |publisher=EL Congreso de la República de Guatemala |title=Decreto 90–97 – Artículo 50. |access-date=7 August 2021}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply any alcohol drink to a minor under 18 years of age on any establishment or in the street.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guyana}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<br />16 <small>(on-premise for wine or malt liquor with a meal)</small><ref name="Guyana Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.guyaneselawyer.com/lawsofguyana/Laws/cap8221.pdf |title=Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act – Section 55|publisher=EL CONGRESO DE LA REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to a person under 18 years of age. The law provides an exception for minors aged 16 and 17, if they consume a glass of beer, wine or cider with a meal in a restaurant. Otherwise attempting to buy alcohol or buying alcohol as a minor is an offence.<ref name="Guyana Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Haiti}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |None <smALL>(at national level)</small>
| In the capital Port-au-Prince, it is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to minors under 18 years old from 17 May 2017. Vendors are required to check identification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.anmwe.com/haiti-interdiction-de-vendre-de-lalcool-aux-mineurs-informe-le-chef-du-parquet/|title=HAITI: Interdiction de vendre de l'alcool aux mineurs informe le chef du parquet|date=22 May 2015|publisher=Anmwe News|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref> The Senate voted on a proposed Law on the protection of minors from alcohol beverages, to establish a legal purchase age of 18 and related implementation measures, in December 2012. The law has not yet been approved and enacted.

''Law prohibiting minors entry to entertainment venues'' Article 1 prohibits those under the age of 16 from entering cinemas and theaters (except during children's programming), clubs, cafes, or venues licensed to sell alcohol beverages.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Honduras}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Law for Police Enforcement and Social Coexistence Decree 226 (2001) Article 68 bans the sale of alcohol to minors; The definition of punishable gang activity for minors aged 12–18 includes drinking alcohol beverages in public places (Art 90–91).

Code of Children and Adolescents Decree 73 (1996)
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Jamaica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align=center|18<ref name="Child Care and Protection Act Jamaica">{{cite web |url=http://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/Child%20Care%20and%20Protection%20Act_0.pdf |publisher=Government of Jamaica |title=Child Care and Protection Act – Section 40 |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319031305/https://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/Child%20Care%20and%20Protection%20Act_0.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a child (which is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years).<ref name="Child Care and Protection Act Jamaica"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mexico}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="IARD"/>
| All Mexican states prohibit the sale of alcohol to any person under 18 years old. Identification is required for age verification. Some states may allow minors to consume alcoholic beverages with parental consent.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.velasresorts.com.mx/faq/destinos/cul-es-la-edad-mnima-para-consumir-alcohol-en-mxico | title=¿Cuál es la edad mínima para consumir alcohol en México? }}</ref>         
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nicaragua}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="PROHIBICIÓN VENTA DE LICOR A MENORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS">{{cite web|url=https://www.nicasalud.org.ni/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CODIGO-DE-LA-NI%C3%91EZ-ADOLESCENCIA-Y-LA-FAMILIA-2014.pdf|title=CÓDIGO DE LA NIÑEZ Y LA ADOLESCENCIA. LEY No. 287|date=2014|publisher=Asamblea Nacional de la República de Nicaragua|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
| 
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Panama}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/pan41786.pdf|title=EL CONSEJO NACIONAL DE LEGISLACION DECRETA: CAPITULO PRIMERO IMPUESTOS SOBRE EXPENDIO DE BEBIDAS ALCOHOLICAS.|publisher=Consejo Nacional de Legislación|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507155229/http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/pan41786.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Paraguay}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bacn.gov.py/leyes-paraguayas/5076/ley-n-1642-prohibe-la-venta-de-bebidas-alcoholicas-a-menores-de-edad-y-prohibe-su-consumo-en-la-via-publica|title=Ley N° 1.642 / 2000 – QUE PROHÍBE LA VENTA DEBEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS A MENORES DE EDAD Y PROHÍBE SU CONSUMO EN LA VÍA PÚBLICA|date=13 June 2016|publisher=Biblioteca y Archivo Central del Congreso Nacional|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
| 
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Peru}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.peru.justia.com/federales/leyes/28681-mar-3-2006.pdf |publisher=docs.peru.justia.com |title=Ley No. 28681 |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Liquor Licences Act Sec 32(f)
|-
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Lucia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16
|Chapter 13.17 Liquor Licence Act Art 37
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |16<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/vct.pdf?ua=1|title=WHO Global Alcohol Report Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|Chapter 342 Liquor License Act (1990), Sections 27 and 28
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Trinidad and Tobago">{{cite web|url=http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/alphabetical_list/lawspdfs/84.10.pdf |title=Liquor Licenses Act – Section 60|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to child under the age of 18 years. It is also prohibited for an adult to send a child to buy alcohol on behalf. It is not prohibited for children to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Trinidad and Tobago"/>
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Turks and Caicos Islands">{{cite web|url=http://online.fliphtml5.com/fizd/micd/#p=22 |title=Liquor Licenses Act – Section 27|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to serve or sell liquor to a young person under the age of eighteen years. Minors under the age of sixteen years may not present in a licensed premises mainly serving and selling alcohol beverages.<ref name="Liquor Licenses Act Turks and Caicos Islands"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" |{{flag|United States}}
|(50 states)
| style="text-align:center;" |Varies by state<ref name="IARD"/>
| style="text-align:center;" |21<ref name="IARD"/>
| The [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] requires all states and territories to have a minimum purchasing age of 21 or lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. The act does not apply to the age of alcohol consumption (i.e., states may allow alcohol consumption by those under 21 years of age without penalty). Exceptions to the drinking age are governed by state law.

Some [[U. S. state|states]] do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or in [[bar (establishment)|bars]] (usually, the difference between a bar and a [[restaurant]] is that food is served only in the latter). Only a few states prohibit [[minor (law)|minors]] and [[youth|young adults]] from consuming alcohol in private settings.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism maintains a database that details state-level regulations on consumption and sale age limits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/underage-drinking/state-profiles|title=APIS: State Profiles of Underage Drinking Laws|publisher=National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref>

{{See also|Minor in Possession|List of alcohol laws of the United States}}
|-
|''{{flag|Puerto Rico}}''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18
|Law 118 Penalties for Provision of Alcoholic Beverages to Minors under 18 years of age (1984)
|-
|''{{flag|United States Virgin Islands}}''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/faq/#drinking |title=Helpful Visitor Information for the Virgin Islands |publisher=Vinow.com |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uruguay}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/legisladores-quieren-prohibir-que-menores-de-18-consuman-bebidas-alcoholicas-20173169540 |title=Legisladores quieren prohibir que menores de 18 consuman bebidas alcohólicas |website=El Observador |date=2017-03-16}}</ref>
| Selling alcohol to minors under the age of 18 is prohibited, with fines between 50 and 200 ''Unidades Reajustables'' (UY$ 89,000-355,000 or US$ 2,000-8,000 as of January 2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gub.uy/presidencia/comunicacion/noticias/inau-profundiza-fiscalizacion-venta-alcohol-menores-zonas-turisticas |title=INAU profundiza fiscalización de venta de alcohol a menores en zonas turísticas |website= Presidencia Uruguay |date=2013-01-11}}</ref> Consumption and purchase by minors is not prohibited.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Venezuela}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="LEY N° 28681">{{cite web|url=https://www.fundacionbengoa.org/lactancia/legal/LOPNA.pdf|title=Gaceta Oficial N° 5. 266 Extraordinario de fecha 2 de octubre de 1998: LEY ORGÁNICA PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DEL NIÑO Y DEL ADOLESCENTE|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017185041/https://www.fundacionbengoa.org/lactancia/legal/LOPNA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 
|}

=== United States ===
[[File:Underage consumption map 2007.gif|thumb|center|upright=2.0|Exceptions to the minimum age of 21 for drinking alcohol in the United States, as of 1 January 2007]]
In the United States, the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages has mainly been 21 years of age since shortly after the passage of the [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]] in 1984. The two exceptions are Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where the age is 18. The legal drinking age varies by state, and many states have no age requirements for supervised drinking with one's parents or legal guardians.

Despite a rekindled national debate in 2008 on the established drinking age (initiated by several university presidents), a [[Fairleigh Dickinson University]] PublicMind [[Opinion poll|poll]] found in September 2008 that 76% of [[New Jersey]]ans supported leaving the legal drinking age at 21 years.<ref name="publicmind.fdu.edu">{{Cite web|author=William R. Kennedy |url=http://www.publicmind.fdu.edu/21todrink/ |title=New Jersey Residents Say Leave the Drinking Age at 21 – FDU PublicMind – September 15, 2008 |publisher=Publicmind.fdu.edu |date=15 September 2008 |access-date=2012-07-28}}</ref> No significant differences emerged when considering gender, political affiliation, or region. However, parents of younger children were more likely to support keeping the age at 21 (83%) than parents of college-age students (67%).<ref name="publicmind.fdu.edu" />

Seventeen states ([[Arkansas]], [[California]], [[Connecticut]], [[Florida]], [[Kentucky]], [[Maryland]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Mississippi]], [[Missouri]], [[Nevada]], [[New Hampshire]], [[New Mexico]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Rhode Island]], [[South Carolina]], and [[Wyoming]]) and the [[District of Columbia]] have laws against possession of alcohol by minors, but they do not prohibit its consumption by minors.

Fourteen states ([[Alaska]], [[Colorado]], [[Delaware]], [[Illinois]], [[Louisiana]], [[Maine]], [[Minnesota]], [[Missouri]], [[Montana]], [[Ohio]], [[Oregon]], [[Texas]], [[Wisconsin]], and [[Virginia]]) specifically permit minors to drink alcohol given to them by their parents or by someone entrusted by their parents.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

Many states also permit the drinking of alcohol under the age of 21 for religious or health reasons.

[[Puerto Rico]], a territory of the United States, has maintained a drinking age of 18.

United States customs laws stipulate that no person under the age of 21 may bring any type or quantity of alcohol into the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/ |title=Know Before You Go |publisher=Cbp.gov |access-date=2010-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007204857/http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/ |archive-date=7 October 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The United States is the only Western nation in the world setting the limit for [[alcohol consumption]] and purchases at 21. While the measure is comprehensible to limit [[underage drinking]] and alcohol-related traffic crashes, the outcome did not generate less underage drinking or traffic accidents. Canada with a drinking age set at 18 or 19 has less alcohol-related traffic crashes than the U.S. The rationale to increase the drinking age to 21 is based on erroneous statistics from the 1980's, and could even increase criminal behavior.<ref>[https://www.edriving.com/three60/canada-achieves-decline-in-alcohol-related-road-fatalities/ "Canada achieves decline in alcohol-related road fatalities"] ''edriving.com''. Accessed Oct 6 2025.</ref>

==Asia==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan=2 width=100| Country
! colspan=2| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 class=unsortable| Notes
|-
! width=150| Drinking age
! width=150| Purchase age
|-
| {{flag|Afghanistan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4c58395a2.pdf|title=Penal Code (1976), Art 349–352|work=Refworld|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flag|Armenia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=1392&lang=arm|title=CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATIONS|publisher=National Assembly|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>
| There are no laws mandating alcohol vendors to ID potential underage drinkers. ID checks are very rarely, if ever, carried out<ref name="ՎԱՐՉԱԿԱՆ ԻՐԱՎԱԽԱԽՏՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՕՐԵՆՍԳԻՐՔ" /> Criminal Code the Republic of Armenia (2003), Article 166: "Involvement, by a person who reached 18 years, of a child into regular use of alcohol drinks... is punished with correctional labor for up to 1 year, or with arrest for the term of 1–2 months, or with imprisonment for the term of 5 years"
|-
| {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə">{{cite web|url=http://archive.bakupost.az/sosium/20131002094909678.html|title=Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə|publisher=bakupost.az|access-date=22 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103171132/http://archive.bakupost.az/sosium/20131002094909678.html|archive-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Sosium – Siqaret qadağası gündəmdə" />
| Law No. 499-IG on Children's Rights (1998)
|-
| {{flag|Bahrain}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref>{{Cite web|title=I was curious what your drinking age is as well...|url=https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g293997-d1509933-t204348-I_was_curious_what_your_drinking_age_is_as_well.html#:~:text=Legal%20drinking%20age%20in%20Bahrain%20is%2021.|access-date=29 October 2020|website=tripadvisor.com|language=en}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| style="text-align:center;" |21<ref name="IARD"/>
| style="text-align:center;" |21 <small>(for non-Muslims and foreigners)<br />(Muslims require medical prescription for purchasing)</small><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Bangladesh Introduces New Alcohol Policy Measures, Including Alcohol Age Limit and Health Warnings |url=https://movendi.ngo/news/2022/02/24/bangladesh-introduces-new-alcohol-policy-measures-including-alcohol-age-limit-and-health-warnings/ |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=Movendi International |language=en-US}}</ref>
|In 2021, reforms were introduced to alcohol regulations, for the first time a minimum age was defined, 21 years was chosen. Muslims can consume alcohol if they obtain a medical prescription.<ref name="auto"/>

|-
| {{flag|Bhutan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="bhutan">{{cite web|url=https://bhutan.eregulations.org/media/rules%20and%20reg-%20license.pdf|title=Rules And Regulations For Establishment And Operation Of Industrial And Commercial Ventures In Bhutan, 1995|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flag|Brunei}}
| style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited <small>(for Muslims and public consumption)</small><br />17 <small>(for non-Muslims' private residence consumption)</small><ref name="IARD"/>
| style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
|Non-Muslims over 17 years of age are allowed to import alcohol not to exceed maximum total volume 2 litres of liquor and 12 cans of beer at 330 mL for personal use, once in 48 hours. This alcohol must be "stored and consumed at the place of residence of the importer" and is "not to be given, transferred or sold to another person.".<ref name="IARD"/>
|-
| {{flag|Cambodia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" colspan="2" |None
|The Health Ministry drafted a law to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in June 2015, with emphasis on establishing a minimum legal purchase age of 21 and preventing underage drinking.

The draft law has not yet been enacted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kimmarita |first=Long |title=Groups urge passing of alcohol law be sped up |url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/groups-urge-passing-alcohol-law-be-sped |access-date=18 March 2022 |website=www.phnompenhpost.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|China}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"| 18<ref name="IARD"/>
| Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (2006 Revision) [Revised in 2012]<ref>{{Cite web|title=laws|url=http://www.npc.gov.cn/zgrdw/englishnpc/Law/2007-12/12/content_1383869.htm|access-date=29 October 2020|website=npc.gov.cn}}</ref> 
Ministry of Commerce Decree No. 25 (2006)
|-
| {{flag|Cyprus}}
| align="center" |17<ref name="Drinking age Cyprus">{{cite web|url=http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/0_144/full.html|title=Ο περί Πωλήσεως Οινοπνευματοδών Ποτών Νόμος (ΚΕΦ.144)|publisher=CyLaw|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| align="center" |18
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years, and for those under 17 years old to consume alcohol beverages.<ref name="Drinking age Cyprus" />
|-
| {{flag|Georgia|Georgia (country)}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Georgia" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="Georgia">{{cite book|url=https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/15652?publication=4|title=კონსოლიდირებული ვერსია (საბოლოო)|date=31 October 2008|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| Under the Law on Protecting Minors from Harmful Influences 2001 the sale of alcohol beverages to minors is prohibited.<ref name="Georgia" /> Juvenile Justice Code (2015) Article 3 defines minors as those under 18.
|-
| ''{{flag|Hong Kong}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{Cite Hong Kong ordinance|name=Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations|109B|37|type=reg}}, with reference to {{Cite Hong Kong ordinance|name=Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance|1|3}}</ref>
| Private drinking is also not regulated.<ref>[https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-1617ise12-regulation-of-underage-drinking.htm Regulation of underage drinking], Legislative Council, 24 April 2017.</ref>
|-
| {{flag|India}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18–25 (varies by jurisdiction)<ref name="IARD"/><br />21 is the legal drinking age in the majority of the [[States and union territories of India|states of India]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://mrliquor.in/legal-drinking-age-in-india/ |title= Legal Drinking Age in India |last= Gaur |first= Shubhank |date= 6 March 2017 |website= MrLiquor |access-date= 7 July 2021 |quote= Most states of India have a minimum drinking age of 21}}</ref>
|{{main|Alcohol laws of India}}18 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 March 2021|title=Delhi lowers drinking age: What's the age limit to consume alcohol in other states|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-lowers-drinking-age-whats-the-age-limit-to-consume-alcohol-in-other-states-7240499/|access-date=21 January 2022|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
21 in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explained: The minimum legal drinking age in some countries across the world |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-minimum-legal-drinking-age-countries-world-7687320/ |access-date=4 August 2022 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

25 in Maharashtra,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Prohibition Act,1949 |url=https://stateexcise.maharashtra.gov.in/Pdf/Maharashtra_Excise_Manual_Vol-I.pdf}}</ref> Meghalaya and Punjab.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minimum Legal Age Limits |url=http://iardwebprod.azurewebsites.net/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits |access-date=27 March 2023 |website=International Alliance for Responsible Drinking |language=en}}</ref>

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Manipur, and Nagaland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bihar-liquor-ban-states-having-total-prohibition-gujarat-kerala|title=States with total and phase-wise prohibition of alcohol in India|date=6 April 2016|access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Indonesia}}
| colspan="2" align="center" |21<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20141031121011-255-9076/tak-boleh-minum-bir-sebelum-umur-21-tahun/|title=Tak Boleh Minum Bir Sebelum Umur 21 Tahun|work=CNN Indonesia|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><br />Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua
|Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua; 21 elsewhere for both on- and off-premise sale. According to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 20 Year 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=JDIHN - Detail Dokumen |url=https://jdihn.go.id/pencarian/detail/563704 |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=jdihn.go.id }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Qanun Laws of Aceh No. 6 Year 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |title=JDIHN - Detail Dokumen |url=https://jdihn.go.id/pencarian/detail/1580831 |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=jdihn.go.id }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and Regional Regulation of Papua Province No.15 Year 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PERDA Prov. Papua No. 15 Tahun 2013 tentang Pelarangan Produksi, Pengedaran dan Penjualan Minuman Beralkohol [JDIH BPK RI] |url=https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Home/Details/125461/perda-prov-papua-no-15-tahun-2013 |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=peraturan.bpk.go.id}}</ref>
|- 
| {{flag|Iran}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD"/>
| There is a ban on alcohol, but religious minorities may purchase small amounts from shops owned by the same religious minority.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/policy_iran.pdf |title=Islamic Republic of Iran (the) |date= |publisher=[[World Health Organization]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Iraq}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alcohol Drinking Ages Around the World |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/alcohol-drinking-ages-around-the-world-3150465|access-date=2 January 2021 |author=Kathleen Crislip|date=26 June 2019|website=TripSavvy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417202421/https://www.tripsavvy.com/alcohol-drinking-ages-around-the-world-3150465|archive-date=17 April 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|There was a proposal of banning alcohol in 2016 which came into force by 2023, but was instead taxed by 200%<ref name="guardian">{{cite web|date=23 October 2016|title=Iraq's parliament passes law banning alcohol|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/23/iraqs-parliament-passes-law-banning-alcohol|access-date=5 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Israel}}
| align="center"| No limit in private places, 
18 in public spaces<ref>Law to control alcohol intoxication (2010)</ref>
| align="center"| 18<ref name="IARD"/>
| Israel law prohibits selling or serving alcohol to minors. Minors are prohibited to drink alcohol in public places and the police may confiscate alcohol drinks from them.
|-
| {{flag|Japan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|20<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=211AC0000000020|title=Underage Drinking Prohibition Law (Act No. 20 of Taisho 11)|website=e-gov Japan|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
|
|-
| {{flag|Jordan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18
|Instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior Concerning Liquor Store Permits (2010), Article 6
|-
| {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21
|Law 235 of 2014 Code of Administrative Offences Section 200
|-
| {{flag|Kuwait}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
|Law No. 46 (1964)
|-
| {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Law No.269 Government Regulation of the Production and Sale of Alcohol (2009), Article 13.2
|-
| {{flag|Lebanon}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Penal Code (1943), Articles 625–626 (promulgated by Legislative Decree No. 340 (2011) 
According to a global school health study, 40% of minors over 13 drink alcohol and up to 25% buy it from stores.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.executive-magazine.com/economics-policy/lebanons-underage-drinking-problem|title=Lebanon's underage drinking problem – Executive Magazine|date=14 March 2013|website=Executive Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=19 June 2016}}</ref>
|-
| ''{{flag|Macau}}''
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="IARD" />
|18
|Private drinking is also not regulated.
|-
| {{flag|Malaysia}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |Restricted to non-Muslims<br />Prohibited for Muslims<br />21 for non-Muslims<ref name="IARD" />
| Food Act 1983 Food Regulations (1985) Regulation 361 (2014) and Food (Amendment) Regulations 2016 
Increased from 18 to 21 in December 2017, effective 16 October 2018. Anyone caught selling to persons under 21 can be fined up to RM10,000 and jailed up to 2 years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-raises-legal-drinking-age-imposes-health-warnings |title=Putrajaya raises legal drinking age, imposes health warnings |author=Boo Su-Lyn |publisher=Malay Mail Online |date=28 May 2016 |access-date=7 June 2016}}</ref>

[[Malaysian identity card]]s display the word "[[ISLAM]]" if the holder is Muslim (and otherwise blank if the holder is non-Muslim) on the bottom right corner, which allows enforcement of the religion-based sales restriction.
|-
| {{flag|Maldives}}
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|Restricted to tourists<br />Prohibited for citizens<br />18 for tourists<ref name="IARD" />
|Sale of alcohol is limited to tourist resorts. It is prohibited to sell alcohol to local Maldivians<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mainlymaldives.co.uk/alcohol-maldives |work=MainlyMaldives.co.uk |title=Alcohol in the Maldives |date=5 December 2013 |access-date=7 June 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820223904/http://www.mainlymaldives.co.uk/alcohol-maldives/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Mongolia}}
| style="text-align:center;" |21 / 18 with parent consent<ref name="who_mongolia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.legalinfo.mn/law/showPrint/55|title=Law to Combat Alcoholism (2000)|accessdate=18 December 2023|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101033725/https://www.legalinfo.mn/law/showPrint/55|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |21<ref name="who_mongolia" />
|Those under 21 are prohibited from drinking alcohol; parents and guardians are prohibited from supplying alcohol to those under 18.
|-
| {{flag|Myanmar}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"|18
|Child Law (1993) Art 65

Excise Act (1958) Art 40(7)
|-
| {{flag|Nepal}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/np/archives/category/documents/prevailing-law/statutes-acts/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE|title=Hotel Distribution and Wine Sales Distribution (Control) Act|website=Nepal Law Commission|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref>
|A policy has reportedly been adopted that would make the legal purchase age 21. However, there are exceptions to underage consumption for purposes of religious ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal|url=https://iogt.org/news/2017/02/22/nepal-government-adopted-new-alcohol-law/ |publisher=[[IOGT International]] |access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|North Korea}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18
|
|-
| {{flag|Oman}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref name="IARD" />
| Residents need personal liquor licenses to consume alcohol in their private residences.<ref name="FCO Oman">{{cite web |title=Oman|url=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman/local-laws-and-customs |publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] |access-date=24 September 2016}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Pakistan}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited <small>(for Muslims)</small><br />21 <small>(for non-Muslims)</small><ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
| Prohibited for Muslims. Purchase age for Non-Muslims is 21.
|-
| {{flag|Palestine}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|16<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
| Legal in most cities.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|-
| {{flag|Philippines}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18
|Minors (defined as under 18 years old) are prohibited to purchase alcohol and adults are prohibited to purchase or provide alcohol to minors. Minors are not prohibited to consume alcohol. ''Act Regulating the Access of Minors to Alcohol Section 4''
|-
| {{flag|Qatar}}
|style="text-align:center;" |Prohibited <small>(for Muslims)</small><br />21 <small>(for non-Muslims)</small><ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|align="center"|21
|Muslims are allowed to purchase alcohol but not consume it.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/> Only residents with a liquor license from the Qatar Distribution Company (owned by Qatar Airways) are allowed to purchase alcohol outside of hotels and restaurants and must make a minimum of QAR 4000 per month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol and Liquor Licences in Qatar - Qatar |url=http://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/qatar/lifestyle/food-drink/liquor-licence |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=Angloinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|Prohibited for all ages<ref name="IARD" />
| Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Persons who drink or possess alcohol are subject to arrest and trial. Punishments range from heavy fines, lengthy prison terms and whippings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rules and laws on drugs and alcohol in Saudi Arabia {{!}} Expatica|url=https://www.expatica.com/sa/living/gov-law-admin/rules-and-laws-on-drugs-and-alcohol-in-saudi-arabia-71303/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Expat Guide to Saudi Arabia {{!}} Expatica|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Singapore}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name=":3">{{Singapore legislation|title=Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act|cap=new|no=5|year=2015}}</ref><br />18 <small>(at licensed premises)</small>
| align="center"|18<ref name=":3" />
|It is prohibited to sell alcohol to those under 18. Anyone caught selling, furnishing or acquiring alcohol in any licensed premise to persons below 18 can be fined up to $10,000.

It is also prohibited for minors to purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol from any licensed premises, in which the minors can also be fined up to $10,000. However, the authorities rarely enforced this on minors.

It is technically legal for minors to possess and consume alcohol at home and in public (not in any licensed premises) as there is no law prohibiting it. It is also technically legal for someone to purchase alcohol and pass it to minors outside the store or licensed premise.<ref name=":3" />
|-
| {{flag|South Korea}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"|19<ref name="law.go.kr">{{cite web| url = http://www.law.go.kr/법령/청소년보호법| title = 청소년보호법}}</ref>
|The age limit for alcohol is 19 calculated by the year of birth. This means that an 18-year-old will be legally allowed to purchase and consume alcohol if they will be turning 19 that year. For example, two persons born on 1 January {{#time:Y|-19 years}} and 31 December {{#time:Y|-19 years}} both turned 19 years of age at the same time on 1 January {{#time:Y}} and hence, both of them are considered to be of legal age to purchase and consume alcohol on and after that date, despite the latter being only 18 years and 1 day old based on western age.

The method of calculating the legal age for alcohol slightly differs from Korean age reckoning in which another one year will be added to the person's age, whereas this method only doesn't take into account the month and day of birth but only the year instead.<ref name="law.go.kr"/>

On 28 June 2023, the law that requires measuring age in the western way came into force. However, the previous system to determine the age to drink alcohol will be maintained.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seo |first=Jessie Yeung,Yoonjung |date=28 June 2023 |title=South Koreans become younger overnight after country scraps 'Korean age' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/27/asia/south-korea-drops-korean-age-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=28 June 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Sri Lanka}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21 <small>(for men)</small><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nddcb.gov.lk/Docs/acts/NATA%20Act%20English.pdf|title=NATIONAL AUTHORITY ON TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL ACT, No. 27 OF 2006|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref><br />prohibited <small>(for women)</small><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/15/sri-lanka-reimposes-ban-on-women-buying-alcohol-days-after-it-was-lifted|title=Sri Lanka reimposes ban on women buying alcohol – days after it was lifted|work=The Guardian |date=15 January 2018 |access-date=8 October 2024 |agency=Agence France-Presse }}</ref>
| Sri Lanka is the only country which has banned the purchase of alcohol based on gender.
|-
| {{flag|Syria}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|18<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>
|
|-
| {{flag|Taiwan}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>[https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0050001 Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act] (zh:兒童及少年福利法) of the Republic of China; Article 2 of defines children and youth as people under the age of 18.</ref>
|Parents, guardians, and others taking care of people under 18 shall not supply alcohol to them or risk administrative fines of 10000 to 50000 [[new Taiwan dollar]]s (Art 55).

No person shall supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 (Art 91).
|-
| {{flag|Tajikistan}}
| style="text-align:center;" |None / 20
| align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" /> 
|Sale to minors under 18 years old is prohibited by Article 12 of Law No. 451 on State Regulation of Production and Turnover of Ethyl Alcohol and Alcohol Products.<ref name="tripsavvy.com"/>

Parents are required to forbid their children who have not reached age 20 to consume alcohol beverages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mfa.tj/ru/main/view/3958/zakon-respubliki-tadzhikistan-ob-otvetstvennosti-roditelei-za-obuchenie-i-vospitanie-detei|title=Закон Республики Таджикистан об ответственности родителей за обучение и воспитание детей|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Thailand}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |20<ref name="Thai_drinking" /> 
| 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.<ref name="Thai_drinking">{{cite web |last=Patin |first=Jennifer |title=Thailand Tourist Information: A Guide to Laws in Thailand |url=http://www.thailawforum.com/tourst-guide-laws-Thailand.html |publisher=Thailand Law Forum |access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaihealth.or.th/Content/25907-%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%2020%20%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5%20%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89.html|title=ตำกวา 20 ป ไมขายสราให|work=Thaihealth.or.th|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Turkey}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.3.4250.pdf|title=İSPİRTO VE İSPİRTOLU İÇKİLER İNHİSARI KANUNU|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
|{{See also|Alcohol laws of Turkey}}
|-
| {{flag|Turkmenistan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |21<ref name="auto1"/><br />Prohibited in airports and stores 
|Law on Prevention of the Harmful Impact of Alcohol 2018 Art. 22-2<br>Law no Trade Art. 33<br>Code of Administrative Offences Art. 315, 356
|-
| {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| style="text-align:center;" |18 in Abu Dhabi<br />21 in most Northern Emirates and Dubai<br />Prohibited in Sharjah<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs|title=United Arab Emirates travel advice – GOVUK|website=gov.uk|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>
| align="center" |21<br />Completely prohibited in Sharjah
| In November 2020, Drinking became legal in UAE without requiring a license and regardless of the religion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 November 2020|title=UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms|url=https://apnews.com/article/dubai-united-arab-emirates-honor-killings-travel-islam-bce74c423897dc77c7beb72e4f51a23a|access-date=8 November 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref>
Previously, expatriate non-[[Muslim]] residents had to request a liquor permit to purchase alcohol beverages, but it was prohibited for such holders to provide drinks to others.<ref name="Guidelines">{{cite web |url=http://www.icap.org/PolicyIssues/DrinkingGuidelines/GuidelinesTable/tabid/204/Default.aspx |title=International Drinking Guidelines |publisher=International Center for Alcohol Policies |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193941/http://www.icap.org/PolicyIssues/DrinkingGuidelines/GuidelinesTable/tabid/204/Default.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi (although a Ministry of Tourism by-law allows hotels to serve alcohol only to those over 21), and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where drinking alcohol is prohibited).<ref name=":0" />

It is a punishable offence to drink, or to be under the influence of alcohol, in public.<ref name=":0" />
|-
| {{flag|Uzbekistan}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center"| 21<ref>{{Cite web |last=UzDaily |title=Uzbekistan bans sale of alcohol and tobacco to people under 21 |url=https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/post/81160 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=UzDaily.uz |language=ru}}</ref>
|In 2023, President [[Shavkat Mirziyoyev]] signed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol and nicotine products to those under 21 years of age, increasing it from 20 years.
|-
| {{flag|Vietnam}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="IARD" />
|Decree 94/2012/ND-CP on Liquor Production and Trading (2012), Article 19.7
|-
| {{flag|Yemen}}
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|Prohibited for all ages<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/14-countries-where-drinking-alcohol-is-illegal.html|title=14 Countries Where Drinking Alcohol Is Illegal|date=25 April 2017|website=WorldAtlas}}</ref>
|Exception is in [[Aden]] Region where it's legal for 21 and up<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=Drinking age in Yemen|url=https://drinkingagein.com/yemen|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Drinking Age in Countries Around the World|language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Europe==
[[File:Konsumverbot.svg|thumb|500px|Laws banning minors from consuming alcohol in public/private:<br />{{legend|#FF0000|Minimum age to consume alcohol in public and private}}{{legend|#FFD800|Minimum age to consume alcohol in public}}{{legend|#267F00|No minimum age to consume alcohol in public or private}}]]
Most countries in [[Europe]] have set 18 as the minimum age to purchase alcohol. Although [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[Germany]], [[Gibraltar]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Malta]], [[Portugal]] and [[Switzerland]] (except [[Ticino]]) maintain a minimum purchase age below 18 years, minors are permitted either full or limited access to alcohol. In 2005,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/eu-will-alkoholkauf-erst-ab-18-erlauben-aid-1.1607191 |title=EU will Alkoholkauf erst ab 18 erlauben |author=AFP, dpa |date=26 February 2005 |language=de |website=rp-online.de |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> 2007<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/politik/europa/article107217172/Die-EU-will-Alkohol-erst-ab-18-Jahren-freigeben.html |title=Die EU will Alkohol erst ab 18 Jahren freigeben |author=AFP, dpa |date=13 March 2007 |language=de |website=abendblatt.de |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> and 2015<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article140181484/EU-Parlament-will-Alkohol-unter-18-verbieten.html |title=EU-Parlament will Alkohol unter 18 verbieten |author=Christoph B. Schiltz |date=27 April 2015 |language=de |website=welt.de/politik |access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref> harmonization at the [[European Union]] level toward a minimum purchase age of 18 was discussed, but not agreed.

Timeline of changes to drinking/purchase age or laws restricting the access to alcohol for minors:

* In 2002 the Spanish autonomous-communities [[Community of Madrid|Madrid]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elinconformistadigital.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=56 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150408124810/http://www.elinconformistadigital.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=56 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2015 |title=La ley seca aprobada en Madrid |author=Marlowe |date=7 March 2002 |language=es |website=elinconformistadigital.com |access-date=7 April 2015 }}</ref> [[Valencian Community|Valencia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joves.net/estas-d-acord/augmentar-l-edat-per-a-consumir-alcohol |title=El Conseller Blasco propone aumentar la edad legal para el consumo de alcohol |date=2002 |language=es |website=joves.net |access-date=7 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414042742/http://www.joves.net/estas-d-acord/augmentar-l-edat-per-a-consumir-alcohol |archive-date=14 April 2015 }}</ref> and [[Catalonia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasdrogas.info/noticias/453/cataluna-eleva-hasta-los-18-anos-la-edad-minima-para-poder-comprar-alcohol.html |title=Cataluña eleva hasta los 18 años la edad mínima para poder comprar alcohol |date=28 February 2002 |language=es |website=lasdrogas.info |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised their minimum purchase age to 18 years. Previously, Valencia and Madrid had a minimum purchase age of 16 years, and in Catalonia minors aged 16 or 17 could purchase alcohol up to 23% ABV on- and off-premise.
* In 2004 [[Denmark]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.si-folkesundhed.dk/Ugens%20tal%20for%20folkesundhed/Ugens%20tal/Uge_12_2006.aspx |title=Forbud mod salg af alkohol til personer under 16 år – virker det? |date=2006 |language=da|website=si-folkesundhed.dk |page=København: Statens Institut for Folkesundhed |publisher=Jørgensen MH, Riegels M, Hesse U & Grønbæk M. |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its off-premise purchase age from 15 to 16 years.
* In November 2005 Switzerland passed its Food and Commodities Regulation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20050153/index.html#a11 |title=Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung – Art. 11 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> (German: Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung), introducing a ban on alcohol sales to anyone under the age of 16. The Alcohol Law<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a41 |title=Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser – Art. 41 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> (German: Alkoholgesetz) passed in 1980 requires a minimum age of 18 years for the retail sale of distilled spirits. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell fermented alcohol (e.g. [[beer]], [[wine]], [[sparkling wine]] or [[cider]]) to anyone under the age of 16, and any distilled alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. The canton of Ticino has a cantonal law since 1989 that makes the purchase age limit for all alcohol beverages 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www3.ti.ch/CAN/RLeggi/public/raccolta-leggi/legge/numero/6.1.1.1 |title=Legge sulla promozione della salute e il coordinamento sanitario (Legge sanitaria) – Art. 51 |language=it |website=ti.ch |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* In 2006 the Spanish autonomous community [[Castile and León]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elconfidencial.com/ultima-hora-en-vivo/2012/07/legislacion-contra-botellon-manos-comunidades-autonomas-20120728-2508.html |title=La legislación contra el botellón en manos de las comunidades autónomas |date=2012 |language=es |website=ElConfidencial.com |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.
* In late 2006, [[Gibraltar]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |title=Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006 |date=2006 |website=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi |publisher=Government of Gibraltar |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721031927/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> lawmakers passed the ''Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco and Gaming) Act 2006'', which raised the minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years. But the new law made an exception: minors aged 16 or 17 can purchase and consume beer, wine or cider under 15% ABV on-premise, and pre-packed containers of an alcohol strength not exceeding 5.5% ABV (e.g. [[alcopops]]).
* In 2009 [[France]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2009/03/09/01016-20090309ARTFIG00563-les-deputes-interdisent-la-vente-d-alcool-aux-mineurs-.php |title=La vente d'alcool et de tabac interdite aux mineurs |author=Bastien Hugues |date=9 March 2009 |language=fr |website=lefigaro.fr |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> raised its minimum purchase age to 18 years,<ref name="SantePublique3">[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexteArticle.do;jsessionid=18ED9AC9EF67D77F5A2C0373B8E6B783.tpdjo08v_1?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020879475&idArticle=LEGIARTI000020881176&dateTexte=20090920&categorieLien=id Law passed on 23 July 2009].</ref><ref name="SantePublique4">[http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do;jsessionid=EEA97DD8289FBEA8B0F379B642F59F2C.tpdjo10v_3?idArticle=LEGIARTI000006688129&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006072665&dateTexte=20090722 French Public Health Code, Art L3353-4].</ref> and fines were increased for selling or serving alcohol to a minor (up to €7,500). Previously, the minimum age was 16 years for off-premise and on-premise purchases of low-alcohol beverages (up to 3% ABV) such as wine, beer, cider, perry, mead, crème de cassis and juices from fermented fruits or vegetables that contain 1.2 to 3° alcohol, natural sweet wines from controlled cultivation and 18 for higher-ABV beverages.
* In October 2009, the government of [[Malta]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://livinginmalta.com/miscellaneuos/legal-drinking-age/ |title=Legal Drinking Age |author=Mark |date=16 June 2014 |website=livinginmalta.com |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> passed a new law raising its drinking and purchase age from 16 to 17 years.
* In 2010 the Spanish autonomous community of [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/06/17/espana/1276794476.html |title=Galicia elevará de 16 a 18 años la edad para beber y multará la venta a menores |author=Santiago de Compostela |date=17 June 2010 |language=es |website=elmundo.es |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
* In 2011 [[Denmark]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sundhedsstyrelsen.dk/da/sundhed/alkohol/lovgivning |title=Lovgivning på alkoholområdet |date=22 January 2014 |language=da|website=sundhedsstyrelsen.dk |publisher=Sundhedsstyrelsen |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref> passed a law raising the minimum age for off-premise sale of alcohol beverages of >16.5% ABV to 18 years of age. The minimum age to purchase alcohol beverages of <16.5% ABV remains 16.
* In March 2012 [[Moldova]] raised the minimum purchase age to 18, from 16 previously.<ref name="Art. 30">[Art.30 lit.j) în redacţia LP22 din 01.03.12, MO92/15.05.12 art.290]</ref><ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
*[[Italy]] raised its minimum purchase age from 16 to 18 in 2012. Previously Italy did not have a purchase age for off-premise sales, and the minimum age of 16 years for on-premise sales was not well enforced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ufficiocommercio.it/pf/testo-news/27926/Divieto-di-vendita-alcolici-ai-minori-di-anni-18 |title=Divieto di vendita alcolici ai minori di anni 18 |date=14 November 2012 |language=it |website=ufficiocommercio.it |publisher=Ufficio Commercio |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-date=11 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511224747/http://www.ufficiocommercio.it/pf/testo-news/27926/Divieto-di-vendita-alcolici-ai-minori-di-anni-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{As of|2014|January|1|df=UK}}, the minimum legal purchase and consumption age was raised from 16 to 18 in the [[Netherlands]]. Previously young people over the age of 16 could purchase and consume alcohol beverages of <15% ABV, and those aged 18 and over could purchase all alcohol beverages.<ref name="Alcohol in de wet">{{cite web |url=http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/alcohol/alcohol-in-de-wet |title=Alcohol in de wet |language=nl |website=rijksoverheid.nl |date=28 November 2012 |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
*{{As of|2015|March|df=UK}}, the Spanish autonomous community of [[Asturias]] raised its drinking age from 16 to 18 years. Asturias was Spain's last community with a drinking age of 16 years. The new law brings the drinking age into line with the rest of Spain, with the exception of Balearic Islands where no purchase age limit is set.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lne.es/asturias/2015/03/06/copas-saldran-caras-menores/1722639.html |title=Las copas saldrán caras a los menores |date=6 March 2015 |language=es |website=lne.es |access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
*In 2013 the government of [[Portugal]] restricted alcohol sales to young people: distilled spirits cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and other alcohol beverages (e.g. beer, wine, or cider) cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16. Previously the minimum age for all alcohol beverages was 16 years.<ref>{{cite web |author=Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho |date=27 March 2013 |title=RESTRIÇÕES À DISPONIBILIZAÇÃO, VENDA E CONSUMO DE BEBIDAS ALCOÓLICAS – N.º02/2013 |url=http://www.ivv.min-agricultura.pt/np4/154?newsId=5684&fileName=NI_02_2013__27_05_2013_.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107013535/http://www.ivv.min-agricultura.pt/np4/154?newsId=5684&fileName=NI_02_2013__27_05_2013_.pdf |archive-date=7 November 2013 |access-date=7 April 2015 |website=ivv.min-agricultura.pt |language=pt}}</ref> {{As of|2015|December|df=UK}}, [[Portugal]] harmonized its minimum drinking age to 18 years across all beverage types. Previously the purchase age was 16 years for low-alcohol beverages such as beer, wine or cider.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dre.pt/web/guest/legislacao-consolidada/-/lc/67421695/201704201944/exportPdf/normal/1/cacheLevelPage?_LegislacaoConsolidada_WAR_drefrontofficeportlet_rp=indice |title=Decreto-Lei n.º 50/2013 – Diário da República n.º 74/2013, Série I de 2013-04-16 [Amendment by Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 – Diário da República n.º 115/2015, Série I de 2015-06-16, em vigor a partir de 2015-07-01] |language=pt |website=dre.pt |access-date=24 July 2019}}</ref>
*{{As of|2018|January|1|df=UK}}, [[Lithuania]] raised its minimum drinking age from 18 to 20 years.<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption" />
* From January 2019 the federal states of [[Austria]] decided to align their drinking and purchase ages. The states [[Burgenland]], [[Lower Austria]] and [[Vienna]] therefore raised their age limits for alcohol beverages containing spirits to 18. Prior to 2019 these states had a general drinking and purchase age of 16 years. The sale and consumption of beer, wine and other fermented alcohol beverages is now prohibited to children and young people under the age of 16 years, and the sale and consumption of spirits to minors under the age of 18 years is prohibited throughout Austria.<ref name="austria">{{cite web|url=https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/jugendliche/jugendrechte/3/Seite.1740250.html|title=Österreichs digitales Amt: Rauchen und Alkohol|date=4 January 2019|language=de|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan="3" style="width:12%;" | Country
! rowspan="3" style="width:12%;" | Administrative division
! colspan="4" style="width:20%;" |[[De jure]]
! rowspan="3" style="width:56%;" | Notes
|-
! colspan="2" style="width:10%;" | Drinking age<ref name="Eyes On Age">{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/alcohol/docs/eyes_on_ages_report_en.pdf|title=EYES ON AGES – A research on alcohol age limit policies in European Member States. Legislation, enforcement and research. |publisher=Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy (STAP), European Commission |author=drs. J. Mulder, J. de Greeff MSc|access-date=28 July 2019}}</ref>
! colspan="2" style="width:10%;" | Purchase age
|-
! style="width:5%;" | Private
! style="width:5%;" | Public
! style="width:5%;" | On-premise
! style="width:5%;" | Off-premise
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Albania}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| align="center" |18<ref name="albania">{{cite web|url=http://www.ishp.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/ligjet/Per-mbrojtjen-e-te-mitruve-nga-perdorimi-i-alkoolit.pdf|title=LIGJ Nr. 9518, datë 18.4.2006 – PËR MBROJTJEN E TË MITURVE NGA PËRDORIMI I ALKOOLIT [Law 9518 for the protection of minors from the use of alcohol (2006)] Art 4|website=ishp.gov.al|language=sq|access-date=24 July 2019}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="albania" />
| The sale of alcohol beverage in bars, restaurants or other licensed premises, as well as other points of sale, is prohibited to minors under the age of 18 years. Vendors and operators of licensed premises are required to post a clearly legible notice in A4 format stating "Ndalohet shitja e alkoolit personave nën 18 vjeç" (It is prohibited to sell alcohol beverages to people under 18 years). Consumption by those under age 18 in public places is prohibited.<ref name="albania" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Andorra}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="andorra" />
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="andorra">{{cite web |url=http://www.policia.ad/documentacio/venda_consum_begudes.pdf |title=Reglament pel qual es regulen determinats aspectes de la venda i el consum de begudes alcohòliques |language=ca |website=policia.ad |access-date=25 July 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128041535/http://www.policia.ad/documentacio/venda_consum_begudes.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="andorra" />
| Selling, serving or supplying alcohol beverages is prohibited as well as public consumption of alcohol beverage by minors under the age of 18 years.<ref name="andorra" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Austria}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None {{citation needed|date=April 2024}}
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(distilled beverages)</sup><ref name="austria" />
| The age limits are set out by the legislation of each federal state but were harmonized in January 2019.<ref name="austria" /> Carinthia also requires 16-18-year-olds to maintain a blood alcohol level below 0.05%.<ref name="Rauchen und Alkohol">[https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/174/Seite.1740250.html Rauchen und Alkohol] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831160244/https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/174/Seite.1740250.html |date=31 August 2023 }} State legislation</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Belarus}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="МУС Беларусі прапануе забараніць курэнне і ўжыванне алкаголю для асоб, маладзейшых за 18 гадоў">{{cite web|url=http://www.pravo.by/document/?guid=3871&p0=h10800429|title=ЗАКОН РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ 27 августа 2008 г. № 429-З О государственном регулировании производства и оборота алкогольной, непищевой спиртосодержащей продукции и непищевого этилового спирта|publisher=Национальный правовой Интернет-портал Республики Беларусь|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="МУС Беларусі прапануе забараніць курэнне і ўжыванне алкаголю для асоб, маладзейшых за 18 гадоў" />
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Belgium}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18 for distilled beverages of higher than 1.2%ABV and [[fermented beverage]]s of higher than 22%ABV
16 for other alcohol beverages<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique">{{cite web|url=https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/sante/prenez-soin-de-vous/alcool-et-tabac/alcool|title=Alcool|work=SPF Santé publique|date=27 January 2016|publisher=Service Public Federal|access-date=21 October 2019|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419165748/https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/sante/prenez-soin-de-vous/alcool-et-tabac/alcool|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Since 10 January 2010, it is prohibited to "sell, serve, or offer" any distilled alcohol beverages to those under the age of 18 or any alcohol beverage to those under 16.<ref name="Vente et consommation d'alcool en Belgique" /> Previously, it was prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to under-16s, but accompanying adults could buy drinks for them.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia">{{cite web |url=http://novi-informator.net/prodaja-alkoholnih-pi%C4%87-osobama-mla%C4%91im-od-18-godina |title=Prodaja alkoholnih pića osobama mlađim od 18 godina |publisher=jeunesetalcool.be |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| Selling alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 years is an offence. The law does not prohibit minors from buying, attempting to buy or consuming alcohol.<ref name="Drinking age Bosnia" />

* Law on Public Peace and Order (2015) Article 25 prohibits providing alcohol beverages to minors.
* Law on Internal Trade (2010), Article 10 prohibits the sale in the retail trade of alcohol beverages to persons under 18 years of age.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Bulgaria}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години">{{cite web|url=https://www.lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2134925825|title=ЗАКОН ЗА ЗАКРИЛА НА ДЕТЕТО|publisher=Lex.bg|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135489147|title=ЗАКОН ЗА ЗДРАВЕТО|website=Lex.bg|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18.<ref name="Деца и юноши под 18 години" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Croatia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Drinking age Croatia" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Drinking age Croatia">{{cite web|url=https://www.zakon.hr/z/175/Zakon-o-trgovini|title=Zakon o trgovini|publisher=zakon.hr|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age. There is no minimum age to buy or consume alcohol by law.<ref name="Drinking age Croatia" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Czech Republic}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name=":6" />
| It is prohibited to provide alcohol to minors but consumption itself is not prohibited by law.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2017-65|title=Zákon č. 65/2017 Sb. Zákon o ochraně zdraví před škodlivými účinky návykových látek|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> 
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Denmark}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="dansk">{{cite web|url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=210239|title=Bekendtgørelse af lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 18 år|website=www.retsinformation.dk|language=da|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="dansk" />
| align="center" |16 <sup>(beverages of up to 6% [[ABV]])</sup> <br /> 18 <sup>(beverages over 6% [[ABV]])</sup><ref name="dansk" />
| While there is no age requirement for drinking alcohol beverages in Denmark, there are laws that prohibit minors from buying alcohol from on-premise and off-premise outlets. Since 1 April 2025, beverages with an alcohol content of more than 6 percent have been illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 18. The minimum age to buy lighter alcoholic beverages remains 16.<ref name="denmark2025">{{cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=New age limits for alcohol sales to 16-17-year-olds in Denmark: Enters into force on 1 April 2025 |url=https://www.nordicalcohol.org/post/new-age-limits-for-alcohol-sales-to-16-17-year-olds-in-denmark-enters-into-force-on-1-april-2025 |access-date=16 September 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

If a shop or bar fails to ask for an ID card and is identified as having sold alcohol to an underage person, it is subject to a fine. A national ID card, obtained in the local town hall, can serve as age verification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=9878 |title=Lov om forbud mod salg af tobak og alkohol til personer under 16 år |language=da|access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref> This card is rarely used though since a passport or driver's license is more commonly used.<ref>[http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2006/07/01/.htm Få unge har købt legitimationskort] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127114344/http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2006/07/01/.htm |date=27 November 2011 }}, Danmarks Radio, 01. July 2006</ref>

Both the legal drinking and purchasing age in the Faroe Islands is 18.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alcohol|url=https://www.visitfaroeislands.com/plan-your-stay/before-you-arrive-in-the-faroe-islands/alcohol/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Visit Faroe Islands}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Estonia}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="estonia">{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/832173|title=Alkoholiseadus|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="estonia" />
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. Alcohol found in possession of any child can be confiscated by the police.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Finland}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18 <sup>(1.2–22% ABV)</sup><br />20 <sup>(>22% ABV)</sup><ref name="alkoholilaki">{{cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2017/1102|title=Alkoholilaki|access-date=18 April 2022}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="alkoholilaki" />
| style="text-align:center;" |18 <sup>(1.2–22% ABV)</sup><br />20 <sup>(>22% ABV)</sup><ref name="alkoholilaki" />
| All major grocery chains have implemented a policy to ask for ID if the customer looks under 30.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/if_you_look_under_30_get_your_id_out/6333481|title=If you look under 30, get your ID out|publisher=YLE News|date=12 October 2012|access-date=21 April 2013}}</ref> Stores may refuse to sell alcohol if the customer is accompanied by a minor, or if proxy purchasing is suspected. Purchasing alcohol on behalf of a minor is a criminal offence.<ref name="alkoholilaki" />

Police may search minors in public places and confiscate or destroy any alcohol beverages in their possession. Incidents are reported to the legal guardian and child protective services, who may intervene with child welfare procedures. In addition, those aged 15 or above are subject to a fine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2010/756|title=Laki rikesakkorikkomuksista 756/2010 – Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö – FINLEX ®|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>

In private, offering alcohol to a minor is considered a criminal offence if it results in drunkenness and the act can be deemed reprehensible as a whole, considering the minor's age, degree of maturity and other circumstances.<ref name="alkoholilaki" />

|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|France}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None, minors are under parental authority up to 18 years old, and the parent must even remain present if they offer alcohol to their child under the age of 16. In addition, making a minor drink until intoxication is an offense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F20104.xhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221144728/http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/F20104.xhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-02-21|title=Prévention de l'alcoolisme - Service-public.fr}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="SantePublique2">{{cite web|url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do;jsessionid=18ED9AC9EF67D77F5A2C0373B8E6B783.tpdjo08v_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006072665&idArticle=LEGIARTI000020895230&dateTexte=|title=Code de la santé publique – Article L3353-3|website=Legifrance|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> 
|[[France]] has no explicitly stated consumption age, but selling alcohol beverages to a minor (under 18) is prohibited and can be fined 7500 [[euro]]s.<ref name="SantePublique2" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Germany}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="3" align="center" |14 <sup>(beer, wine and cider if accompanied)</sup><br />16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts)</sup><ref name="Germany">{{cite book |url=http://www.bmfsfj.de/RedaktionBMFSFJ/Abteilung5/Pdf-Anlagen/jschg-englisch,property=pdf,bereich=bmfsfj,sprache=de,rwb=true.pdf |title=Protection of Young Persons Act, Amendment by Article 3, Act |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>
|It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply fermented alcohol beverages (beer, wine, cider and sparkling wine) to anyone under 16 years of age. However this age limit drops down to 14 if a minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is generally prohibited to serve, sell or supply any beverage containing spirits and foods containing spirits above negligible amounts, to anyone under the age of 18 years. Violation of the "Protection of Young Persons Act" can be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years.<br />{{See also|Alcohol laws in Germany}}{{See also|Protection of Young Persons Act (Germany)}}
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Gibraltar}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Gibraltar" />
| align="center" | 16 <sup>(beer, wine and cider)</sup><br />18 <sup>(spirits)</sup><ref name="Gibraltar" />
| align="center" | 18<ref name="Gibraltar" />
| It is prohibited to sell alcohol drinks to anyone under the age of 18, other than the following two exceptions. The minimum age to be served in licensed premises is 16 if:<ref name="Gibraltar">[http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf Children and Young Persons (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Gaming) Act 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721031927/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006-11o.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }} (Gibraltar Laws).</ref>

* The alcohol beverage is beer, wine or cider below 15% [[ABV]], '''or'''
* The alcohol beverage is served in a bottle, or a pre-packaged container below 5.5% [[ABV]].
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Greece}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" />
| align="center" |18<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008">{{cite web|url=https://www.kodiko.gr/nomologia/document_navigation/141125/nomos-3730-2008|title=ΝΟΜΟΣ 3730/2008 ΦΕΚ Με τις τελευταίες αλλαγές από το Νόμο 4633/2019|date=23 December 2008|website=Kodiko.gr|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref>
| In 2008, the consumption of alcohol beverages was prohibited for minors in public. However, the law does not apply to private events or private premises.<ref name="ΦΕΚ A 262/2008" /> However, the law is rarely enforced with authorities reporting high numbers of teen alcohol consumption yearly.<ref>[https://movendi.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ACHP_FS_Greece.pdf Greece] movendi.ngo</ref> ID checks are rare.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Hungary}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Iceland}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |20<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.althingi.is/altext/stjt/1998.075.html|title=Áfengislög|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Possession or consumption of alcohol by people under the age of 20 is not an offence, but police will contact parents of those under 18 and send a report to the child protection agency, supplying them with alcohol is an offence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in public places. 
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Ireland}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Ireland">{{Cite web|url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/reference/checklists/checklist_at_what_age_can_i.html|title=At what age can I?|website=citizensinformation.ie|language=en|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=28 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228220852/http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/reference/checklists/checklist_at_what_age_can_i.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |18<ref name="Ireland" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Ireland" />
| It is prohibited for minors to buy alcohol or for a third party to attempt to buy it for minors. Minors are prohibited to drink in private residences unless it is with their parent or guardian's permission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/alcohol_and_the_law.html |title=Alcohol and the law |publisher=Citizensinformation.ie |date=7 March 2012 |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Italy}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.altalex.com/documents/leggi/2012/11/12/dl-sanita-la-legge-di-conversione-del-decreto-balduzzi|title=DL sanità: La legge di conversione del decreto Balduzzi Legge, 08/11/2012 n° 189, G.U. 10/11/2012|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=Altalex}}</ref><ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria" />
| In 2012 the then Health Minister Renato Balduzzi proposed to raise the age to 18.<ref name="Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria">{{cite web|url=http://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/dettaglioAtto.spring?id=43801&completo=true|title=Trova Norme & Concorsi – Normativa Sanitaria|author=Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato S.p.A.|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> Selling alcohol to those under the age of 18 in shops carries a fine between €250 and €1000. Serving alcohol beverages to those under the age of 16 is a criminal offense and is punished with prison up to one year, if the individual is 16 or 17 it will be treated as an offense that is fined between €250 and €1000 ''(Legge n. 189/2013)''.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Kosovo}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=2853|title=LIGJI NR. 04/L-121 PËR MBROJTJEN E KONSUMATORIT|website=gzk.rks-gov.net|accessdate=18 December 2023}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Latvia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums">{{cite news|url=https://likumi.lv/ta/id/88009|title=Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums|date=1 May 2004|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=likumi.lv}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages to any minor under the age of 18 years. Persons between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to present an identity document to the retailer when purchasing alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether the retailer has requested it. There is no minimum age to consume or possess alcohol.<ref name="Alkoholisko dzērienu aprites likums" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Liechtenstein}}
| colspan="4" align="center" |18 <sup>(spirits and spirit-based beverages)</sup>

16 <sup>(other alcohol beverages)</sup><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gesetze.li/chrono/2009029000|title=Kinder- und Jugendgesetz (KJG) vom 10. Dezember 2008|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Spirits and alcopops may be sold only to people at least 18, and other alcohol beverages to people at least 16. Consumption and possession is prohibited at the same ages. 
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Lithuania}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |20<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption">{{cite news|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.9E5C5C16B6E6/asr|title=Lietuvos Respublikos alkoholio kontrolės įstatymas|access-date=23 October 2019|publisher=e-tar.lt}}</ref>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |20<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption" />
| It is prohibited to sell, serve or supply alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 20 years. People under the age of 20 are prohibited from consuming alcohol beverages or from possessing them. The minimum age was raised from 18 to 20 in 2018.<ref name="Seimas adopted amendments on reduction of alcohol consumption" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Luxembourg}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans." />
| colspan="2" align="center" |16<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans.">{{cite web|url=http://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/loi/2006/12/22/n11/jo|title=RECUEIL DE LEGISLATION – A –– N° 237 29 décembre 2006|date=29 September 2006|publisher=legilux.public.lu|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages of >1.2% ABV to any person under the age of 16 years. Violation is fined €251 to €1,000.<ref name="Loi du 22 décembre 2006 portant interdiction de la vente de boissons alcooliques à des mineurs de moins de seize ans." />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Malta}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="malta" />
| align="center" | 17<ref name="malta" />
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |17<ref name="malta">{{cite web|url=http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8575|title=CAP 10 Code of Police Laws|publisher=justiceservices.gov.mt|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Must provide identification upon request.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Moldova}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100">{{cite web |url=http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=334893&lang=1 |title=LEGE Nr. 1100 din 30.06.2000 cu privire la fabricarea şi circulaţia alcoolului etilic şi a producţiei alcoolice – Art. 30 |publisher=lex.justice.md |date=15 October 2010 |access-date=22 March 2018 |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507155230/http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=334893&lang=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
| It is prohibited to sell, or serve alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18 years. It is not prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol.<ref name="LEGE Nr. 1100" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Montenegro}}
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;background:Gainsboro" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Netherlands}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0002458/2017-12-31|title=Drank- en Horecawet|website=wetten.nl|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name=":4" />
| The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcohol beverages was raised from 16 to 18 in 2014. Selling alcoholic beverages to people under 18 is prohibited, while buying alcoholic beverages for someone else under the age of 18 is also prohibited.<ref name=":4" />
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|North Macedonia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="northernmacedonia" />
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="northernmacedonia">{{cite web|url=https://www.pravdiko.mk/zakon-za-trgovija/|title=Закон за трговија|publisher=pravdiko.mk|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421103314/https://www.pravdiko.mk/zakon-za-trgovija/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Norway}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/aid/dok/regpubl/otprp/19961997/Otprp-nr-7-1996-97-/16/3.html?id=299088 |title=Proposition to Odelstinget rejecting the idea of holding minors criminally responsible for the purchase or consumption of alcohol |date=11 October 1996 |publisher=Regjeringen.no |access-date=20 June 2009}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18 <sup>(<22% ABV)</sup> <br /> 20 <sup>(≥22% [[ABV]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1989-06-02-27|title=Lov om omsetning av alkoholholdig drikk m.v. (alkoholloven) – Lovdata|website=lovdata.no}}</ref></sup>
| Alcohol possessed by minors may be confiscated as evidence. Drinking in public is prohibited, though this is rarely enforced in recreational areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://oslopuls.aftenposten.no/restaurant_uteliv/article233583.ece|title=Police: It's okay to drink in public parks|newspaper=Aftenposten|date=2 July 2009|access-date=2 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503064136/http://oslopuls.aftenposten.no/restaurant_uteliv/article233583.ece|archive-date=3 May 2010}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Poland}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="tekst jednolity: Dz. U. 2002 r. Nr 147 poz. 1231" />
| align="center" |None <sup>(within designated drinking zones)</sup><br />Prohibited <sup>(elsewhere)</sup>
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="tekst jednolity: Dz. U. 2002 r. Nr 147 poz. 1231">{{cite web|url=http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU19820350230|title=Ustawa z dnia 26 października 1982 r. o wychowaniu w trzeźwości i przeciwdziałaniu alkoholizmowi|website=ISAP – Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych|language=pl|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Article 15 of The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parpa.pl/download/ustawaang.pdf |title=The Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism. |language=en |access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref> prohibits sale or serving of alcohol beverages to anyone under 18 and that if doubt exists as to age, sellers/servers should require ID as proof of age.
Drinking in public places, with the exception of designated drinking zones, is prohibited regardless of age.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Portugal}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="1 de Julho: nova legislação sobre o álcool e a vacina Prevenar em vigor" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="1 de Julho: nova legislação sobre o álcool e a vacina Prevenar em vigor">{{cite web|url=http://www.sicad.pt/PT/FNAS/Documents/DL_106_2015.pdf|title=MINISTÉRIO DA SAÚDE Decreto-Lei n.º 106/2015 de 16 de junho|language=pt|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414230549/https://www.sicad.pt/PT/FNAS/Documents/DL_106_2015.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align="center" |
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Romania}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="romania" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="romania">{{cite web|url=http://www.euroavocatura.ro/legislatie/853/Legea_61_1991__republicata_2011_,_pentru_sanctionarea_faptelor_de_incalcare_a_unor_norme_de_convietuire_sociala,_a_ordinii_si_linistii_publice|title=Legea nr. 61/1991 (Actualizata 2008), pentru sanctionarea faptelor de incalcare a unor norme de convietuire sociala, a ordinii si linistii publice|date=June 2011|language=ro|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 14 years in an amount which is resulting death to one is punished with imprisonment for 3 to 12 years.
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Russia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref>{{cite web|url=https://legalacts.ru/doc/171_FZ-o-gosudarstvennom-regulirovanii-proizvodstva-i-oborota-jetilovogo-spirta_-alkogolnoj-i-spirtosoderzhawej-produkcii/|title=Федеральный закон от 22.11.1995 N 171-ФЗ (ред. от 01.05.2019) "О государственном регулировании производства и оборота этилового спирта, алкогольной и спиртосодержащей продукции и об ограничении потребления (распития) алкогольной продукции"|language=ru|access-date=23 October 2019}}</ref>
| The legal purchase age limits are 18. Considered to be raised to 21 .
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|San Marino}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |16<ref name="IARD" />
|Criminal Code Article 165
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Serbia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18
|Possession of alcohol is regulated by Article 23 of  Consumer protection law which prohibits selling, serving and giving alcohol to a person under the age of 18.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=Закон о заштити потрошача: ("Sl. glasnik RS", br. 88/2021-3) |trans-title=Consumer protection law |url=https://www.pravno-informacioni-sistem.rs/SlGlasnikPortal/eli/rep/sgrs/skupstina/zakon/2021/88/1/reg |access-date=22 October 2019 |website=Правно информациони систем}}</ref> However, the law is loosely enforced.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gudelj Rakić |first1=Jelena |url=https://www.batut.org.rs/download/publikacije/IstrazivanjeHBSC2022.pdf |title=Резултати истраживањa понашањa у вези са здрављем деце школског узраста у Републици Србији 2022. године |last2=Jovanović |first2=Verica |last3=Kilibarda |first3=Biljana |last4=Vasić |first4=Milena |last5=Tošić |first5=Marijana |last6=Boričić |first6=Katarina |publisher=Институт за јавно здравље Србије "Др Милан Јовановић Батут" |year=2023 |isbn=978-86-7358-129-3 |location=Belgrade |pages=47–49 |language=sr |trans-title=Health Behaviour in School-aged Children, HBSC.}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Slovakia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Slovenia}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="slovenia" />
| colspan="2" align="center" |18<ref name="slovenia">{{cite web |url=http://www.nalijem.si/o-alkoholu/alkohol-in-zakoni |title= Zákon o ochrane pred zneužívaním alkoholických nápojov a o zriaďovaní a prevádzke protialkoholických záchytných izieb |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Spain}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mscbs.gob.es/alcoholJovenes/legislacion/legislacionEstatal.htm|title=Alcohol and youth – Legislation|website=Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
|Autonomous region Balearic Islands does not have legislation on legal purchase age limits.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Sweden}}
| colspan="2" align="center" style="background:Gainsboro" |None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="swe2010" /><ref name="sweden">{{cite web|url=https://vanligafragor.systembolaget.se/org/systembolaget/d/varfor-ar-det-18-arsgrans-pa-restaurang-och-krogen/|title=Systembolaget FAQ: Why is there an 18-year age limit on the pub but a 20-year age limit for Systembolaget?|website=Systembolaget|publisher=Systembolaget.se|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
| align="center" |None under 2.25% ABV
20<ref name="swe2010" /> 18 <sup>(beer, above 2.25% ABV and below or equal to 3.5% ABV)</sup>
|{{See also|Alcohol in Sweden}} It is legal for anyone at any age to drink,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ÄR DET OLAGLIGT ATT DRICKA ALKOHOL OM MAN ÄR UNDER 18 ÅR?|trans-title=IS IT ILLEGAL TO DRINK ALCOHOL IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD?|language=sv |website=lawline |url=https://lawline.se/answers/ar-det-olagligt-att-dricka-alkohol-om-man-ar-under-18-ar |access-date=6 May 2022}}</ref> but off-premise sale or supply to anyone under the age of 20 is prohibited and on-premise establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol beverages to anyone under 18. It is legal to serve an underage person alcohol in a private place, provided it's a limited amount and done in moderation.<ref name="swe2010">{{cite web|url=https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/alkohollag-20101622_sfs-2010-1622|title=3 Kap. 7§ Alkohollag (2010:1622)|access-date=27 June 2018}}</ref> The reason for the lower limit in bars than in Systembolaget shops is that bartenders have a legal responsibility for how drunk a guest gets.<ref name="sweden" /> [[Beer classification in Sweden and Finland|Class II]] beer (up to 3.5% ABV), called folköl ("people's beer"), is sold in regular stores, but with the minimum purchase age of 18.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Langning av alkohol - lagar och fakta |language=sv |website=Polismyndigheten |url=https://polisen.se/lagar-och-regler/lagar-och-fakta-om-brott/langning-av-alkohol/ |access-date=31 July 2023}}</ref> Class I beer (2.25% ABV and under) has no age restriction. 
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{flag|Switzerland}}
|{{flag|Switzerland}} (federal law)
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" align="center" |16 <sup>(fermented beverages with up to 15% ABV and natural wines with up to 18% ABV)</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20050153/index.html#a11 |title=817.02 Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung Art. 11 |publisher=admin.ch |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref><br /> 18 <sup>(spirits)</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a41 |title=680 Bundesgesetz über die gebrannten Wasser Art. 41 IV. 1. i. |publisher=admin.ch |access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref>
| Whoever offers or supplies alcohol beverages to a child under the age of 16 years in an amount which is harmful to one's health is punished with imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19370083/201501010000/311.0.pdf |title=311.0 Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch vom 21. Dezember 1937 (Stand am 1. Januar 2015) – Art. 411 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Council |access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> Whoever sells or supplies spirits to a person under the age of 18 years is punished with a fine up to 10,000 CHF.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19320035/index.html#a57 |title=680 Bundesgesetz vom 21. Juni 1932 über die gebrannten Wasser (Alkoholgesetz) – Art. 57 |language=de |website=admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Council |access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Ticino}}
| colspan="2" align="center" |18
| Canton [[Ticino]] prohibits the selling of any type of alcohol beverage to minors under the age of 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.ti.ch/CAN/RLeggi/public/index.php/raccolta-leggi/pdfatto/atto/628 |title=RL 942.100 Legge sugli esercizi alberghieri e sulla ristorazione del 1° giugno 2010 (stato 15 giugno 2017) – art. 23 cpv. 1 lit. a |language=it |website=ti.ch |access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Ukraine}}
| colspan="2" style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|Law No. 1824-VI on state regulation of production and turnover of ethyl, cognac and fruit, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products Article 15-3
|-
| rowspan="4" |{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|{{flag|England}} <br /> {{flag|Wales}}
| colspan="2" align="center" | 5<ref name="cypa">{{cite web |title=section 5, Children and Young Persons Act 1933 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/23-24/12/section/5 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref><br>On licensed premises: 18<ref name="s146LA">{{cite web |title=section 146, Licensing Act 2003 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/section/146 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref><br />or 16 <sup>(for beer, wine or cider with a table meal and if accompanied by adult)</sup><ref name="s150LA">{{cite web |title=section 150 Licensing Act 2003 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/section/150 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="uk">{{Cite web|title=Licensing Act 2003|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/contents|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
|
* It is prohibited to give a child under the age of 5 alcohol, unless for medical reasons.<ref name="cypa"/>
* It is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 18,<ref name="s146LA" /> but 16-17 year olds may consume beer, wine, or cider on licensed premises when at a table meal with an adult who is accompanying them.<ref name="s150LA"/>
* It is not illegal for under 18s to possess or consume alcohol, but the police can confiscate alcohol from under 18s in public.<ref name="CAYPA97">{{cite web |title=Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/33 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref> 
* Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcohol beverages.<ref name="UK Duty Free">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu|title=Bringing goods into the UK – 3. Arrivals from outside the EU|website=gov.uk|access-date=17 June 2017}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|Scotland}}
| align="center" | None
| align="center" | 18<ref name="S102LSA">{{cite web |title=section 102, Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/16/section/102 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="S104ALSA">{{cite web |title=section 104A, Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/16/section/104A |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref><br />16 <sup>(beer, wine, cider or perry with a meal if purchased by an adult aged 18 or older)</sup><ref name="s104BLSA">{{cite web |title=section 104B, Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/16/section/104B |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
16 <small>(liquor confectionery)<ref name="s104" /></small>
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="scotland">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law|title=Alcohol and young people – GOV.UK|website=gov.uk|access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref>
|
* It is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 18,<ref name="S104ALSA" /> and liqueur confectionery to persons under the age of 16.<ref name="s104">{{cite web |title=section 104, Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/16/section/104 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
* The police can confiscate alcohol from those below the drinking age in public.<ref>{{cite web |title=section 61, Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Act 1997 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/48/section/61 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref> Those aged 16–17 may consume beer, wine, cider, or perry on licensed premises with a meal.<ref name="s104BLSA" />
*Import: People over 17 are entitled to a duty-free allowance for alcoholic beverages.<ref name="UK Duty Free" />
|-
|{{flag|Northern Ireland|}}
| align="center" | 14<ref name="CYPANI">{{cite web |title=section 25, Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1968/34/section/25 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}, with [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1968/34/section/180 s180]</ref>

| align="center" | 18<ref name="A60LNIO">{{cite web |title=article 60, Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1996/3158/article/60 |website=[[Legislation.gov.uk]] |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
| colspan="2" align="center" | 18<ref name="A60LNIO" />
|
* It is illegal for persons under 14 to be given alcohol, and then only for medical purposes.<ref name="CYPANI" />
* It is prohibited to sell, serve, or offer alcohol beverages to anyone under the age of 18. Minors are prohibited to consume alcohol beverages in public<ref name="A60LNIO" /> and the police can confiscate alcohol from under 18s in public.<ref name="CAYPA97" />
|-
| colspan="5" |{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|Under the [[British Beer and Pub Association|BBPA]]'s [[Challenge 21|Challenge 21 and Challenge 25]] schemes, customers attempting to buy alcohol beverages are asked to prove their age if in the retailer's opinion they look under 21<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beerandpub.com/campaigns/challenge-21/|title=Challenge 21|website=British Beer and Pub Association}}</ref> (or optionally 25) even though the law states they must be a minimum of 18. Many supermarket and off-licence chains display Challenge 21 (or Challenge 25) notices stating that they will not serve people who look under 21 (or 25) without ID.
|}

==Oceania==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| Country
! rowspan=2 style="width:12%;"| State/&thinsp;region/&thinsp;province
! colspan=2 style="width:20%;"| [[De jure]]
! rowspan=2 style="width:56%;"| Notes
|-
! style="width:10%;"| Drinking age
! style="width:10%;"| Purchase age
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Australia}}
| colspan=2 align="center" |18<ref name="IARD" />
|{{main|Alcohol laws of Australia}}All states restrict purchasing to over 18, but exceptions may apply if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The government-supported Youth Law Australia portal offers details on consumption and supply age limits by state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yla.org.au/nsw/topics/teen-issues/alcohol/|title=Teen issues: Alcohol|website=Youth Law Australia|publisher=Department of Health Victoria|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Fiji}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Fiji">{{cite web|url=https://www.laws.gov.fj/Acts/DisplayAct/273|title=Liquor Act 2006|date=1 August 2018|publisher=Fijitimes.com|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017200211/https://www.laws.gov.fj/Acts/DisplayAct/273|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| The drinking age was previously 21 but was lowered to 18 in 2009.<ref name="Fiji"/>
|-
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Kiribati}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
|Liquor Ordinance 1973 Art 11
Liquor (Amendment) Act 12-2005 Art 27
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Marshall Islands}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
|Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 1971 Art 111(i)
Alcohol Restriction Act of 1994 Art 202(1)
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{flag|Micronesia, Federated States of}}
| {{flag|Chuuk}} <br /> {{flag|Kosrae}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>Draft Chuuk State Code (2012) Section 1307(1) – unenacted draft code citing source laws</ref><ref>Kosrae State Code (1997), Sections S.1.201(44) and 13.517(3)</ref>
|
|-
| {{flag|Pohnpei}} <br /> {{flag|Yap}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref>Code of the State of Pohnpei (2012), Section 2-109</ref><ref>Yap State Code (1987), Section 405</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nauru}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="auto1"/>
|Liquor Ordinance 1967 Art 33
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|New Zealand}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None || style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>{{cite web |title=Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 |url=https://www.alcohol.org.nz/management-laws/nz-alcohol-laws/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol-act-2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107224304/https://www.alcohol.org.nz/management-laws/nz-alcohol-laws/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol-act-2012 |archive-date=7 November 2019 |access-date=17 October 2019 |publisher=alcohol.org.nz}}</ref>
| Minimum age applies for beverages with 1.15% ABV or over; no restrictions on beverages less than 1.15% ABV.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0063/latest/DLM165121.html#DLM165121 |title= 2 Interpretation – Sale of Liquor Act 1989 No 63 (as at 01 July 2011), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation Online |publisher=Parliamentary Counsel Office |date=1 July 2011 |access-date=8 January 2013}}</ref><br />Persons under 18 may drink outside private residences or private functions if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Alcohol may be supplied to minors only by, or with express consent from, their parent or legal guardian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/advice-on-alcohol/for-parents/the-law-about-supply-to-young-people |title=The law about supply to young people |publisher=Alcohol.org.nz |access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Palau}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="Palau Alcoholic Beverage Control Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pw/legis/consol_act/babrt11389/|title=Alcoholic Beverage Control Act – § 1068. Sale or distribution to minors; purchase, possession, or consumption by minors.|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507155230/http://www.paclii.org/pw/legis/consol_act/babrt11389/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| It is prohibited to sell or serve any alcohol beverage to a person under 21 years of age. Minors may access a bar or licensed premises only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors buying, consuming or attempting to buy alcohol are committing an offence. The law provides an exception for the consumption of alcohol by minors as part of a religiously recognized ceremony.<ref name="Palau Alcoholic Beverage Control Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="postcourier.com.pg">{{Cite web|date=13 March 2017|title=Underage drinking is a public health problem|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/underage-drinking-is-a-public-health-problem/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=Post Courier|language=en-US}}</ref>
| It is prohibited for a minor to purchase, consume or attempt to purchase alcohol beverages. Any licence holder has to ensure that the customer who he sells or serves alcohol to, is at least 18 years of age. Violation of this law is punishable by a fine.<ref name="postcourier.com.pg"/> ''Liquor Licensing Act (1963) Art 102–103''
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Samoa}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref name="Samoa Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.palemene.ws/new/wp-content/uploads/01.Acts/Acts%202011/Liquor_Act_2011_-_Eng.pdf|title=Liquor Act 2011 – Section 14|publisher=Parliament of Samoa|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016185321/http://www.palemene.ws/new/wp-content/uploads//01.Acts/Acts%202011/Liquor_Act_2011_-_Eng.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/> "does not apply to a licensee of a food and beverage license provided that the person under the age of 21 years is under the supervision of an attending parent."
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |None<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/>
| align="center" |21<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/sb/criminal-law/ch50-liquor-act.htm|title=Section 72 of the Liquor Act (Ch. 144)|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| Selling or serving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 years is punishable with a three hundred dollar fine, imprisonment for nine months, or both.<ref name="Solomon Islands Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| colspan=2| ''{{flag|Tokelau}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref>[http://www.paclii.org/cgi-bin/sinodisp/tk/legis/num_act/cpaer2003302/cpaer2003302.html Crimes, Procedure and Evidence Rules 2003], s50(3).</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tonga}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Tonga Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=https://ago.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1950/1950-0025/IntoxicatingLiquorAct_2.pdf?zoom_highlight=Intoxicating+Liquor+Act#search=%22Intoxicating%20Liquor%20Act%22|title=INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT – Section 65|publisher=The Kingdom of Tonga, Attorney General's Office|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| Selling, serving or supplying alcohol to anyone under 18 years is prohibited. It is also prohibited for minors to buy, attempt to buy or consume alcohol in any public place and any violation of this law is punishable by a $1,000 fine.<ref name="Tonga Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|-
| rowspan="3" | {{USA}}
|''{{flag|American Samoa}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 21<ref>{{cite web|title=ALCOHOL REFORM ISSUES PAPER|url=http://www.samoalawreform.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Reform-Issues-Paper-Final.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917184910/http://www.samoalawreform.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Reform-Issues-Paper-Final.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2014|website=samoalawreform.gov.ws|publisher=Samoa Law Reform Commission|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
|''{{flag|Guam}}''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 21<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drinking age raised to 21 on Guam|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/guam/drinking-age-raised-to-21-on-guam-1.110333|access-date=13 March 2021|website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref>
|As of July 2010, the drinking age in the territory of Guam has been raised to 21.
|-
|''{{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}}''
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"|21<ref name="Northern Mariana Islands Public Law 19-84">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/19/pl19-84.pdf|title=H. B. No. 19-141 HDI SSI|publisher=cnmilaw.org|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Vanuatu}}
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| 18<ref name="Vanuatu Liquor Licensing Act">{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/vu/legis/consol_act/lla190/|title=Liquor Licensing Act – Section 17|publisher=Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
| It is unlawful to sell, serve or supply alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years. Violation of the law is fined up to VT 25,000 or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or by both, fine and imprisonment. Any minor under the age of 18 years, being found in possession or consumption of alcohol is fined up to VT 10,000.<ref name="Vanuatu Liquor Licensing Act"/>
|}

== See also ==
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Age of candidacy]]
* [[Alcohol consumption by youth in the United States]]
* [[Alcoholism]]
* [[Amethyst Initiative]]
* [[Choose Responsibility]]
* [[Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility]]
* [[Gambling age]]
* [[Legal drinking age controversy in the United States|Legal drinking age controversy (USA)]]
* [[Legal smoking age]]
* [[Mature minor doctrine]]
* [[National Minimum Drinking Age Act]]
* [[National Youth Rights Association]]
* [[Shoulder tap (alcohol)]]
* [[Voting age]]
* [[Youth rights]]
* [[Youth suffrage]]
* [[Youth]]
{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="tripsavvy.com">{{Cite web|title=What's the Legal Drinking Age in Asia?|website=TripSavvy |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/legal-drinking-age-in-asia-3149734|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812190520/https://www.tripsavvy.com/legal-drinking-age-in-asia-3149734|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160504144607/http://www.iard.org/policy-tables/minimum-legal-age-limits/ Minimum legal age limits] online table updated on a rolling basis, [[International Alliance for Responsible Drinking]]

{{Law country lists}}
{{Alcohol and health}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Legal Drinking Age}}
[[Category:Legal drinking age| ]]
[[Category:Alcohol law]]
[[Category:Drinking culture]]
[[Category:Juvenile law]]
[[Category:Law lists by country|Drinking age]]
[[Category:Law-related lists|Drinking age]]
[[Category:Minimum ages|Drinking age]]