Can you drink under 18 in the UK?

Show all answers

Hannah

You can actually drink at any age legally in the UK, under the roof of your own house and supervision of a guardian (18+). At 16, you are allowed a couple of drinks when eating a meal out (with parents I think), although some restaurants still don't like to serve 16/17 year olds when eating, just in case.

You cannot buy alcohol under the age of 18. More recently, shops which sell alcohol try and stay by the rule of, if you don't look 21 or older you be will ID'd, and if you don't have an ID (even if you are 18+), they do not have to serve you. If you're out in a club or bar, it's easier to get served than at an off-license/shop since it's busy/dark and just more people around you, and you can dress up. A few years ago most places didn't really care if the odd underaged teen was having a few drinks, but in recent years things are getting tighter and even the most laid back of places (local pubs) won't serve a 16/17 year old, places are getting checked on more than ever.

Social Science Lady

Yes you can. If you have a meal in a restaurant etc from the age of fourteen you may drink wine with your meal

Alesha

18 is the legal age here in the uk
but kids age 12+ drink all the time

rugratshd

Legally, in your home, you may have alcohol given to you from age 5. Under 5 it is with doctors consent only.
At age 14 you may consume (but not buy) 'beer, porter, wine and sherry' with a sit down meal in a restaurant.
From 18 you can legally purchase and drink alcohol in a licenced premises.

thesaintgray

your not supposed to drink, but there's rarely a parent who enforces the rule, my mum gave me alchahol ( small amounts mind you lol) since i was very young, like say 7, so that when i was older i wouldnt be one of those " yay i can drink now! my life is complete !" sorta people , and it worked, i dont drink much, only if i go to a party , and im not a party person, but when i do drink at those partys, I GO CRAZY! not to the point of getting ill, but i wont remember it the next day lol, oh and thanks for the heads up on your transportation crisis, il be sure to stay here in london

Bunts

You can drink under 18, but it is illegal to buy drink under 18,
and is illegal for an adult to buy alcohol for anyone under
18. There are a few exceptions, but they are very complicated.
For instance, an adult can buy wine in a pub for a minor if
the drink is supplementary to a meal. Although the law allows
this, some pub landlords will not allow it.
It sounds a bit sad if you had to buy gallons of drink to celebrate
your 14th birthday. Did you think it was big or something?

English Sniper

The legal drinking age here is 18.

writerchick3

Since when does not having alcohol mean you have a horrible life?

What has the world come to?! This is pathetic.

inggers

you shouldn't be able to. but you can! its pretty easy to get hold of really..

sweetsara0080

on my 14th birthday i was served in Glasgow

honey

yes you can but you have to be 14 with parents and it has to be with a meal although this the law not many people bother with it as it is socaialy unexceptable

677rainbow

21 is the drinking age now,18 is the smoking age.i know what you mean,im 26 i have 3 children,and still have a hard time buying alcohol

deanpem1986uk

Hi yes usa does suck for teens, in the uk under 18's cant drink but you get away with it in most bars, most of the bars here dont give a damn, drinking on the streets here though isnt allowed either for any age.It's starting to get like the states here in england,ive passed the teen driking stages though,i'm 22 but if it was up to me i'd let under 18's drink.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: