Drinking Age by Country 2022

Strong liquor to hard seltzer is a staple of many contemporary societies, from wine with dinner to beer on the weekend to champagne toasts for special occasions.

As a result, many nations have age restrictions on alcoholic drinks since alcohol is a narcotic that may impair a person’s judgment and physical skills.




Effects of alcohol on the human body

Alcohol is an organic molecule formed by the fermentation of grains, vegetables, or fruits. Drinking alcohol is considered a depressant by the medical community, which means that it has a wide variety of physiological effects on the body, as opposed to stimulants like coffee or hallucinogens.

In many cases, this has the effect of slowing or preventing biological processes. 

A few examples of alcohol’s detrimental effects include sluggish physical motor activities and sluggish mental processing. Slower and more clumsy one becomes as they drink more. Drinking alcohol may similarly obstruct neurotransmission.

A person’s ability to make good decisions will be hindered by excessive drinkings, such as slurred speech, clouded thought, and inability to focus.

Overindulgence in alcohol may also lead to various side effects, such as vomiting, memory loss, excessive tiredness, and alcohol poisoning.

Last but not least, long-term alcohol abuse may cause various serious health problems, including but not limited to pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, and liver disease.




The legal drinking age in several countries

The amount of alcohol consumed and the age at which it is permitted to consume vary greatly from country to country. To buy or consume alcoholic drinks in the United States, one must be at least 21 years of age or older (with very few exceptions in some jurisdictions).

This is one of the world’s highest drinking ages.

To the north of the United States, Canada has a legal drinking age of 18 to 19, which is lower than many other countries’ drinking ages.

Alcohol use may be legal in certain countries, but purchasing alcoholic drinks is not; in fact, several countries have no minimum age for drinking (though there may be a minimum age for purchasing alcohol).

In certain countries, such as those under strict Muslim control, alcohol is completely prohibited.

Countries where it is unlawful to drink alcohol:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh — Legal for non-Muslims
  • Brunei Darussalam — Non-Muslim adults, may import limited amounts for home consumption
  • Comoros — Prohibited for Muslims, no limits for non-Muslims
  • India — Prohibited in some provinces, 18-25 in others
  • Indonesia — Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua, 21 elsewhere
  • Iran
  • Kuwait




  • Libya
  • Maldives — Legal for tourists 18-up
  • Mauritania
  • Morocco — Legal for non-Muslims 16-up
  • Nigeria — Prohibited in Borno, minimum is 18 in Abuja, no limit elsewhere
  • Pakistan — Legal for non-Muslims 21-up
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • United Arab Emirates — Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else
  • Yemen
  • Countries in which the drinking age varies by state/province:
  • Angola — The consumption limit is 18 in Luanda Province, no limit elsewhere
  • India — Prohibited in some provinces, 18-25 in others
  • Indonesia — Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua, 21 elsewhere
  • Nigeria — Prohibited in Borno, minimum is 18 in Abuja, no limit elsewhere
  • United Arab Emirates — Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else
  • Countries in which the drinking age is 21:
  • Indonesia — Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua, 21 elsewhere
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • Mongolia — 18 if with parents
  • Nauru
  • Oman
  • Pakistan — But prohibited for Muslims
  • Palau
  • Qatar — Residents may only consume at home, tourists only in select locations
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • United Arab Emirates — Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else
  • United States — 18 in many states when at home or with a parent
  • Countries in which the drinking age is 20:
  • Finland — 20 for spirits, 18 for wine and beer
  • Japan
  • Countries in which the drinking age is 18:
  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria — 18 for spirits, 16 for wine and beer
  • Cabo Verde/Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cyprus
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Estonia
  • Finland — 18 for wine and beer, 20 for spirits
  • Greece
  • Guatemala
  • Ireland — Lower if at home or with parents
  • Israel
  • Kazakhstan
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein — 18 for spirits and alcopops/coolers, 16 for beer and other drinks
  • Madagascar
  • Mexico
  • Mozambique
  • Netherlands
  • North Korea
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda — lowered to 16 for some drinks consumed with a restaurant meal
  • Vanuatu
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia




  • Countries in which the drinking age is 17:
  • Brunei Darussalam — Non-Muslims can drink at age 17 with restrictions
  • Malta
  • Countries in which the drinking age is 16:
  • Austria — 16 for wine and beer, 18 for spirits
  • Liechtenstein — 16 for beer and most drinks, 18 for spirits and alcopops/coolers
  • Lithuania — Though age to purchase is 20
  • Morocco — Non-Muslims only. Still prohibited for Muslims
  • Russia — Though age to purchase is 18
  • Uganda — 16 for some drinks consumed with restaurant meal, 18 otherwise
  • Countries with no legal age limit for consuming alcohol:
  • Algeria — Age to purchase is 18
  • Angola — Age to purchase is 18, consumption limit 18 in Luanda Province
  • Antigua and Barbuda — Age to purchase is 18 on-premise, no minimum off-premise
  • Argentina — Age to purchase is 18
  • Armenia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Azerbaijan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Bahamas — Age to purchase is 18
  • Barbados — Age to purchase is 16 on-premise, no minimum off-premise
  • Belarus — Age to purchase is 18
  • Belgium — Age to purchase is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits
  • Belize — Age to purchase is 18
  • Benin — Age to purchase is 20
  • Bhutan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Bolivia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina — Age to purchase is 18
  • Botswana — Age to purchase is 18
  • Brazil — Age to purchase is 18
  • Bulgaria — Age to purchase is 18
  • Burkina Faso — Age to purchase is 13 for males, 16 for females
  • Burundi — Age to purchase is 18 unless accompanied by parent
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon — Age to purchase is 18 on-premise, 21 off-premise
  • Canada — Age to purchase is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, & Quebec, 19 elsewhere
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad — Age to purchase is 18 unless accompanied by adult
  • China — Age to purchase is 18
  • Congo (Dem. Republic) — Age to purchase is 18
  • Congo (Republic of) — Age to purchase is 16 on-premise, 18 off-premise
  • Comoros — No limits for non-Muslims, prohibited for Muslims
  • Croatia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Cuba — Age to purchase is 16
  • Czech Republic — Age to purchase is 18
  • Denmark — Age to purchase is 18 (16 for off-premise wine and beer)
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica — Age to purchase is 16
  • Dominican Republic — Age to purchase is 18
  • Ecuador — Age to purchase is 18
  • Egypt — Age to purchase is 21
  • El Salvador — Age to purchase is 18
  • Eritrea — Age to purchase is 25
  • Eswatini — Age to purchase is 18
  • Ethiopia — Age to purchase is 21
  • Fiji — Age to purchase is 18
  • France — Age to purchase is 18
  • Gabon — Age to purchase is 18 for on-site, no minimum for off-site
  • Gambia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Georgia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Germany — 16 for beer and wine (14 if with parent or guardian), 18 for spirits




  • Ghana — Age to purchase is 18
  • Grenada — Age to purchase is 16 for on-site, no minimum for off-site
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana — Age to purchase is 16 for on-premise beer and wine, 18 otherwise
  • Haiti
  • Honduras — Age to purchase is 18
  • Hungary — Age to purchase is 18
  • Iceland — Age to purchase is 20
  • Italy — Age to purchase is 18
  • Jamaica — Age to purchase is 18
  • Jordan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Kenya — Age to purchase is 18
  • Kyrgyzstan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Laos — Age to purchase is 18
  • Lebanon — Age to purchase is 18
  • Liberia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Luxembourg — Age to purchase is 16
  • Malawi — Age to purchase is 18
  • Malaysia — Age to purchase is 21
  • Mali — Age to purchase is 15 for beer and wine, no minimum for spirits
  • Mauritius — Age to purchase is 18
  • Moldova — Age to purchase is 18
  • Monaco — Age to purchase is 18
  • Montenegro — Age to purchase is 18
  • Myanmar — Age to purchase is 18
  • Namibia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Nepal — Age to purchase is 21
  • New Zealand — Age to purchase is 18
  • Nicaragua — Age to purchase is 18
  • Niger — Age to purchase is 18
  • Nigeria — No minimum except in Abuja (18) and Borno (prohibited)
  • North Macedonia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Norway — Age to purchase is 18 for beer and wine, 20 for spirits
  • Panama — Age to purchase is 18
  • Paraguay — Age to purchase is 20
  • Peru — Age to purchase is 18
  • Philippines — Age to purchase is 18
  • Poland — Age to purchase is 18
  • Rwanda — Age to purchase is 18
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis — Age to purchase is 18
  • Saint Lucia — Age to purchase is 16
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — Age to purchase is 18
  • San Marino — Age to purchase is 16
  • Senegal — Age to purchase is 18
  • Seychelles — Age to purchase is 18
  • Sierra Leone — Age to purchase is 18
  • Singapore — Age to purchase is 18
  • Slovenia — Age to purchase is 18
  • South Africa — Age to purchase is 18
  • South Korea — Age to purchase is 19
  • South Sudan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Spain — Age to purchase is 18
  • Sri Lanka — Age to purchase is 21
  • Suriname — Age to purchase is 18
  • Sweden — Age to purchase is 20 for off-premise wine and spirits, 18 otherwise
  • Switzerland — Age to purchase is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits
  • Syria — Age to purchase is 18
  • Tajikstan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Thailand — Age to purchase is 20
  • Timor Leste
  • Togo — Age to purchase is 18 for on-premise, no minimum for on-premise
  • Tonga — Age to purchase is 18
  • Trinidad and Tobago — Age to purchase is 18
  • Tunisia — Age to purchase is 18
  • Turkey — Age to purchase is 18
  • Turkmenistan — Age to purchase is 18
  • Ukraine — Age to purchase is 18
  • United Kingdom — Age to purchase is 16 for onsite beer/wine/cider when consumed with meal in company of adult, 18 otherwise
  • Uruguay — Age to purchase is 18
  • Uzbekistan — Age to purchase is 20
  • Venezuela — Age to purchase is 18
  • Zimbabwe — Age to purchase is 18 (lower w parental permission)




World alcohol abstinence

According to World Health Organization research published in 2018, 57% of the world’s adult population (or 3.113 billion persons 15 years of age and over) did not drink alcoholic beverages in 2016. 44% of individuals worldwide said they never had drunk alcohol at all.

Over half of individuals in North America, Europe, and the Western Pacific (Japan, Australia, and Oceania) consumed alcoholic drinks in 2016. Regarding alcohol consumption, just 32.2 percent of individuals in Africa and 33.1 percent of people from South-East Asia drank in 2016, compared to the global average of 63.0 percent.

Furthermore, in the Eastern Mediterranean area (Egypt, Iran, Yemen, etc.), 94.9 percent of individuals have never had a drink. At least for Muslims in Eastern Mediterranean nations, drinking alcohol is forbidden.

Drinking Age in Australia




Sale of alcoholic beverages to minors

People under the legal drinking age cannot purchase alcohol in several countries across the globe. A parent or guardian purchasing their kid is the lone exception to this rule. A parent or guardian may not be required in all Australian venues where minors are served alcohol.

However, parental or guardian permission must always be acquired. Depending on where you live, this may not be the case.

Arid Regions (No Alcohol Allowed)

The Australian government has designated many sections of Australia as dry or alcohol-free zones. Blocks 7 and 23 in Canberra’s Central District, near the Canberra Theatre Center, are two such examples.

There are dry places across broad swaths of Sydney and Queensland and in Phillip Park. The same goes for the cities of Melbourne and Perth as well as Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Promoting the use of alcoholic beverages

The ABAC Code for Responsible Alcohol Marketing governs alcohol marketing in Australia. These rules dictate where vendors may sell alcoholic goods. These regulations also govern the material on radio and television, print, and outdoor advertising signs.

The Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code also controls the promotion of alcoholic drinks on digital and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The legal drinking age in Canada is 18 years and above

The legal drinking age in Canada varies from province to province. However, it is generally set at 19 years old. The drinking age will be 18 years old by 2020 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec.

Minors Abusing Alcohol

Depending on where they reside, minors may not always be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. Some jurisdictions, such as Manitoba and New Brunswick, allow minor drinking under parental supervision.

In the context of “licensed establishments,” this refers to public consumption. There are no restrictions for serving children at home in PEI, Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Saskatchewan provinces.




History of Alcohol Consumption by Persons of Certain Ages

Canada used to permit underage drinking but no longer does so. Canada’s provinces and territories gradually lowered the legal drinking age to 18 or 19 in the 1970s.

The MLDA’s Influence

According to research, crash reductions and decreased alcohol intake have been linked to higher levels of MLDAs. A prospective benefit of lowering the long-term consequences of excessive alcohol use is also reported, particularly while driving.

Canada recognizes the importance of MLDA research and the necessity for a minimum drinking age, although not to the same extent as other countries, such as the United States.

Will the Drinking Age Increase?

In 2018, there was a discussion about increasing the legal drinking age in Canada. However, Prime Minister François Legault has said that the government would not be raising the drinking age now.

Who knows what the future holds for the United States when more individuals disobey orders to remain home in 2020 and drink more than they should have.

Drinking Age in England

Alcohol may be served to a youngster as young as five in several European countries. However, the legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18, meaning minors may legally consume alcohol in public.

Drinking at Home

Parents and guardians can allow their children to consume alcohol in their own homes. According to the U.K.’s top medical officer, underage drinking should be discouraged until at least 15.

Having more than a few sips is usually discouraged for youngsters under five. Drinking more than once a week is discouraged by several specialists.

When Eating Out

A parent may provide wine to their 16- and 17-year-old children, but they cannot purchase it at a restaurant. In this instance, it is permissible to consume alcohol while a meal is being served, which is often how alcohol is enjoyed in families.




Entrance to Bars (Taverns)

Children under 16 or 17 are permitted to visit a bar, tavern, or similar place accompanied by a parent. They must, however, be at least 16 years old before they may consume alcohol with their elders. People must be at least eighteen years old if they are traveling alone to purchase or drink.

FRENCH BEVERAGE AGE:

For the purchase and use of any alcoholic drinks, the legal drinking age in France is 18. In 2009, France’s adolescents could purchase wine, beer, and other fermented drinks until the age of sixteen. As a result, rumors about increasing the legal drinking age began circulating.

The Culture

Most dinners in European countries include some kind of alcoholic beverage, and the goal isn’t to become drunk but to enjoy a few sips. Aside from that, most nations, including France and Italy, partake in alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a meal.

There is less stigma attached to drinking in Europe than in the U.S. However, there are certain worries, particularly among the younger generation.

Youth Drinking Concerns

Many European countries, including Italy, France, and others, have high rates of teen alcohol usage. As a result of their familiarity with it, they’re more inclined than adults to overindulge.

Researchers and governmental organizations continue to call for a reduction in the amount of alcohol that teens and youngsters consume.

That effort includes raising the drinking age in France. Some of the same cautions regarding excessive alcohol consumption are given to school-age children and young adults.

Adult Drinking Concerns




Adults in Europe often have three alcoholic beverages each day. This comes close to the definition of a drink in the United States. A shot of booze, four ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer are the most common units of measurement.

There is now a one-drink-a-day restriction throughout Europe that is higher than the French government prescribes. People are advised to limit their alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks at a time and not to drink daily.

Drinking Age in Germany

In Germany, the legal drinking age for wine and beer at establishments and in one’s own home is 16. However, buying spirits (a.k.a. hard liquor) requires a minimum age of 18, although anybody may purchase beer and wine over 16.

Will the Drinking Age Increase?

The German government said on February 18, 2020, that they would not increase the drinking age to 18. It was not the Green Party’s concern that prompted the administration to advocate for moderation in alcohol use.

Decrease in Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use is down, according to the Ministry of Health and other groups. This information pertains to consumption that occurred in the years leading up to 2018. There seems to be a decrease in the amount of alcohol drunk by young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

Binge drinking was also down. As a result of this drop, the government now feels that its efforts to spread awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse are bearing fruit.

2020 Alcohol Consumption




Despite the international quarantines imposed by the Covid-19 virus, alcohol consumption fell the following year. Sales of beer, wine, and spirits all fell by over 5%, while beer consumption fell by 2%, and wine sales fell by 2%.

This is a departure from the trend of people throughout the globe remaining at home for the holidays. Many nations saw a rise in the amount of alcohol consumed, but not Germany.

Drinking Age in Ireland

Alcohol may only be sold in public places with a legitimate license, and the legal drinking age in Ireland is 18. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and pubs must all follow regulations dictating when they may offer alcohol to patrons under the age of 21 or face penalties such as fines, prison time, or even closure.

Alcohol sales regulations

The new Public Health (Alcohol) Act of 2018 included new guidelines for selling alcoholic beverages. These include a ban on bulk discounts for alcohol purchases. As a result, food retailers may no longer provide discounts in the form of percentages or currency units (euro).

When serving underage customers, bars and restaurants might lose their liquor licenses, and their owners may even be arrested.

Alcohol purchase laws

If an adult purchases alcohol on behalf of a child, they may be subject to a fine of at least €1500 (USD 1751.75). Nevertheless, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, persons or businesses may be fined up to €5000, equivalent to USD 5819.30.

Public intoxication laws

Anyone found to be intoxicated in public in Ireland might face penalties ranging from €100 to €500 or $116 to $582 in U.S. dollars. Disobedience to the law might lead to more severe penalties, such as increased fines or prison time.

Driving blood alcohol limits

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Ireland, where the legal limit is 0.05%. A person might be fined hundreds of dollars if caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than this.




People in this nation may be sentenced to prison and have their driving privileges suspended for various periods.

Drinking Age in Italy

If you’re planning on visiting or studying in Italy, you’ll want to discover the drinking age. Anybody may purchase alcohol over 16 with proper identification. In most cases, any government-issued picture I.D. will do.

The Way We Do Things

Sipping culture refers to Italy, according to Time magazine. It’s not that there aren’t any drunk folks in this area.

Alcohol consumption is lower in the Netherlands than in other European countries and the United States. However, the aggregate consumption rate is still higher than in other European countries and the United States. Because of this, Italy has taken a more active role in enforcing a ban on underage drinking.

Attempting to sell to minors.

Italy seems less strict than other nations regarding enforcing the legal drinking age. On the other hand, Milan has been more rigorous since 2009 about supplying alcohol to minors. Adults who buy alcohol for minors face penalties of up to $700. The number of citations may have risen subsequently.

Drinking on the Street

In 2020, there will be stiffer punishments for anybody caught drinking in public. Fines of €500 are levied in Florence, Italy, where alcohol is not sold in shops after 9 p.m. This is about equivalent to $500 in U.S. currency.

Drinking and Driving




Driving in Italy is illegal if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is more than.05%. It is possible to incur hundreds of euros or more penalties if you are found guilty of driving while impaired. You may also be forced to pay for your car, lose your driver’s license, or even go to prison.

Drinking Age in Jamaica

As of 2021, the legal drinking age in Jamaica will remain at 18. You should verify your local regulations before drinking in this nation if you are under 18. Underage drinking may be prosecuted even if the holiday location permits it at a younger age.

Violating the Drinking Age

If you’re in Jamaica and above the legal drinking age, you shouldn’t have any problems with the law enforcement there. However, if you’re under 18 when you return to the United States or wherever you call home, you may find yourself in hot water if you’re still inebriated.

Shipboard intoxication

As a result of the island’s submerged location, underage drinking is a major issue. Everyone must be at least 21 years old to drink aboard cruise ships. However, the majority of local establishments accept it.

Access to Liquor

In Jamaica, you’ll be able to get your hands on booze at any moment of the day or night. There are several places where minors may purchase alcohol, although the legal drinking age remains at 18. Having a good time and drinking is a normal aspect of life here.

Consumption of Alcohol

In Jamaica, almost 48% of the population binge drinks. Despite the island’s legal drinking age of 18, some persons under 18 still drink excessively.

Drinking Age in Japan




Japan has the second-highest drinking age compared to other countries where the legal drinking age is 21. At least 20 years of age is required to buy and drink alcohol in Japan. In local pubs and restaurants, your passport may be used as identification.

Enforcement Challenges

Even though Japan has laws prohibiting minors from ingesting alcohol, enforcement is tough. Controlling underage drinking is difficult due to the availability of alcohol in vending machines. Drinking and driving is a serious offense in our nation, regardless of age.

Rules for Drinking and Driving

Japan’s drinking and driving laws seem to be among the strictest in the world. A BAC of.03-.04 percent might result in a jail sentence of up to three years. A BAC of.04 or above carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail.

If you’re found guilty, you’ll be hit with a fine of almost 1.3 million yen (USD 10,000), and your license will be permanently revoked.

Drinking in public and selling or buying

Unlike many other nations, Japan allows the open use of alcohol in public. Commuters will wait on trains or even sleep before returning to their cars since you can see them.

Convenience shops in Japan are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you may buy alcohol whenever you want. To legally sell wine, beer, or liquor, vendors must get certain permits from the state.

Drinking Age in Mexico

Most Mexican states have an 18-year-old minimum drinking age. Anyone claiming to be of legal drinking age must provide proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages in Mexico. The country’s mandated minimum age also addresses other alcohol-related concerns.

Underage drinking issues

Texas and other border states are popular destinations for U.S. adolescent travelers. They can’t drink, though, if the legal drinking age in their country of residence is lower than 18.

Underage drinkers who are found are often sentenced to time in prison or fines, depending on their age. In addition, kids from countries where it is illegal to drink at this age are penalized by law authorities.




Public intoxication laws

Unless you’re in a bar or restaurant that offers cocktails or beer, you cannot stroll about with open alcohol containers in public. People have been punished or imprisoned for drinking alcohol in remote locations. It is also theoretically unlawful to carry a flask or other closed container.

However, law enforcement seldom takes notice unless someone commits destruction, aggression against humans, or other disorderly conduct.

DUI blood alcohol limits

In Mexico, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than.08% is illegal. An individual convicted of a first-time DUI violation faces a prison sentence of up to 48 hours and a fine of up to $50881.26 (USD 2500). A motorist may lose their license for up to three years after the second offense.

Drinking Age in Puerto Rico

In 2013, there was a lot of talk about raising the minimum drinking age (MLDA) to 21. However, Puerto Rico’s drinking age has stay at 18 until 2020. The dangers of binge drinking are well-documented, which is why legislators in Puerto Rico are working to raise the MLDA.

History of MLDA Legislation

Carlos Vargas, a Democratic Party delegate for Puerto Rico’s territory, lobbied for the MLDA to be 21 years old in November 2013. As of 1984, the area was still in compliance with that year’s National Minimum Drinking Age Act.

Before 1984, the legal drinking age in the United States varied from state to state, often much more than it did when some states increased the legal drinking age to 21.

Economic Consequences

Because Puerto Rico declined to increase the drinking age to 21 years, the U.S. Federal Government withheld any transportation money from the island. This island’s economy was so severe that more than 54,000 people had to leave.




Even though the legal drinking age hasn’t been raised, some establishments won’t let people in unless they’re 21 or older.

Youth Alcohol Consumption

Legislators continue to attempt to persuade Puerto Rico to amend the MLDA despite statistics demonstrating the impact of raising the drinking age from 18 to 21. It seems to have a lower fatality rate, particularly among young individuals.

Binge drinking accounts for 90% of alcohol use among those under 21, and a 2016 study found that 1 in 8 persons on the island suffers from alcoholism. These stats may lead Puerto Rico to increase the drinking age in the future.

Drinking Age in Spain

At 18, Spain is just like Italy, France, and other European countries, which have a comparable drinking age. There are some issues with using mild alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer, with controlling alcohol abuse.

Attitudes Toward Drinking

Children as young as five are permitted to enjoy a sip of alcohol when it is served to the family as part of the meal. Removing the stigma of alcohol use is meant to encourage individuals to drink responsibly. However, that doesn’t imply that no one in Spain has a problem with excessive alcohol use.

Also See: DMCA Ignored Countries 2022

Youth Binge Drinking

It is generally accepted that most European Spanish households educate their children that alcohol may be used responsibly. This is in line with the recommended daily limit of one or two drinks for adults.

In this situation, one drink is about one can of beer or one glass of wine. On the other hand, new research suggests that avoiding drinking every day is preferable.

In any case, underage drinking is a problem that has to be addressed. As a result, the legal drinking age in Spain will remain at 18 as of 2021. That’s how old I was when I was 16.




CountryMin. AgeOn-Premise AgeOff-Premise AgeNotes
Indonesia21.990021.990021.9900Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua
Pakistan21.990021.990021.9900Prohibited for Muslims, 21 for non-Muslims
United Arab Emirates21.990021.990021.9900Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else
Qatar21.990021.990021.9900Visitors can puchase on-site at select locations (mostly fine hotels), residents must have license to purchase and may only drink at home.
United States2118.210018.2100Most states prohibit public consumption for those under 21, but also have exceptions that permit underage consumption in private residences and/or with parent or guardian. Purchase age is 21 everywhere except Puerto Rico (18) and Virgin Islands (18)
Oman212121Non-Muslims require license to drink in private residence (unavailable to Muslims)
Mongolia212121Consumption age lowered to 18 if with parents
Solomon Islands212121
Samoa212121Consumption age lowered if with parents
Kiribati212121
Marshall Islands212121
Palau212121
Nauru212121
Japan202020
India18.990018.990018.9900Prohibited in some provinces, 18-25 in others
Finland18.20001818.2000Consumption is 18 for wine and beer, 20 for spirits (over 22% ABV). Sales limit 20 for off-premise spirits, 18 otherwise
Mexico181818
Vietnam181818
Colombia181818
Uganda1816.18001816 for on-premise consumption of beer, wine, and certain other drinks alongside food. 18 otherwise
Mozambique181818
Madagascar181818
Australia181818Prohibited in certain Aboriginal communities
Zambia181818
Chile181818
Kazakhstan182121
Romania181818
Guatemala181818
Netherlands181818
Greece181818
Papua New Guinea181818
Israel181818
Slovakia181818
Costa Rica181818
Ireland181818Consumption age is ower if at home with parents
Albania181818
Lesotho182121
Latvia181818
Equatorial Guinea181818
Estonia181818
Cyprus181717
Vanuatu181818
Andorra181818
Tuvalu181818
Malta171717
Morocco16.990016.990016.990016 for non-Muslims, prohibited for Muslims
Austria16.180016.180016.180016 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits
Liechtenstein16.180016.180016.180018 for spirits and alcopops/coolers, 16 for beer and other drinks
Russia161818
Lithuania162020Raised in 2018
Comoros0.10000.10000.1000Production, sale, and consumption by Muslims prohibited. No age limits for non-Muslims.
China01818
Nigeria00.10000.100018 in Abuja, prohibited in Borno, 0 everywhere else
Brazil01818
Ethiopia02121
Philippines01818
Egypt02121
Turkey01818
Germany016.180016.180016 for beer and wine (14 if with parent or guardian), 18 for spirits
Thailand02020
United Kingdom016.18001816 for onsite beer, wine, or cider when purchased with meal and by an accompanying adult. 18 otherwise
France01818
Tanzania01818
South Africa01818Legislation raising the legal age to 21 has been in consideration for several years
Italy01818
Kenya01818
Myanmar01818
South Korea01919
Spain01818
Argentina01818
Algeria01818
Ukraine01818
Iraq02121No or contradictory consumption data
Canada018.190018.190018 in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec. 19 elsewhere.
Poland01818
Angola01818Consumption limit is 18 in Luanda Province
Uzbekistan02020
Peru01818
Malaysia02121Raised in 2017
Ghana01818
Nepal02121Raised in 2017
Venezuela01818
Cameroon01821Lower if accompanied by someone 21 or older
Ivory Coast0140.1800No or contradictory consumption data. No limit for off-premise beer sales, 18 for off-premise wine and spirits, 14 for all on-premise sales
Niger01818
Burkina Faso0131313 for males, 16 for females
Sri Lanka02121
Mali00.15000.150015 for beer and wine, no limit for spirits
Malawi01818
Syria01818
Ecuador01818
Senegal01818
Chad01818Lower if accompanied by adult
Cambodia000
Zimbabwe01818Lower if consented to by parent or guardian
Guinea000
Rwanda01818
Benin02020
Burundi01818Those under 18 can purchase if accompanied by parent
Tunisia01818
Bolivia01818
Haiti000
Belgium0161618 for spirits
South Sudan01818
Cuba01616
Dominican Republic01818
Czech Republic01818
Jordan01818
Azerbaijan01818
Honduras01818
Sweden01818.200020 for off-premise wine and spirits
Portugal01818
Tajikistan01818
Hungary01818
Belarus01818
Switzerland016.180016.180016 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits
Togo0180No limit for off-premise, 18 for on-premise
Serbia01818
Sierra Leone01818
Laos01818
Paraguay02020
Bulgaria01818
Nicaragua01818
Kyrgyzstan01818
Lebanon01818
El Salvador01818
Turkmenistan01818
Singapore01818
Denmark0180.200016 for off-premise wine and beer, 18 for off-premise spirits
Norway018.200018.200018 for beer and wine, 20 for spirits
Liberia01818
Central African Republic000
New Zealand01818
Panama01818
Croatia01818
Moldova01818
Georgia01818
Eritrea02525
Uruguay01818
Bosnia and Herzegovina01818
Jamaica01818
Armenia01818
Namibia01818
Botswana01818
Gabon0180
Slovenia01818
Guinea-Bissau000
Trinidad and Tobago01818
Mauritius01818
Eswatini01818
Djibouti000
Fiji01818
Guyana016.18001816 for on-premise beer and wine
Bhutan01818
Luxembourg01616
Montenegro01818
Suriname01818Raised circa 2016
Belize01818
Bahamas01818
Iceland02020
Barbados0160
Saint Lucia01616
Grenada0160
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines01818
Tonga01818
Antigua and Barbuda0180
Seychelles01818
Dominica01616
Saint Kitts And Nevis01818
Monaco01818
San Marino01616
Bangladesh-100Consumption for muslims is disallowed in most non-medical cases. No minimum purchase age, but sales restricted to those with government permit
Iran-1-1-1
Sudan-1-1-1
Afghanistan-1-1-1
Saudi Arabia-1-1-1
Yemen-1-1-1
Somalia-1-1-1
Libya-1-1-1
Mauritania-1-1-1
Kuwait-1-1-1
Bahrain-1-1-1
Maldives-1-1-1Tourists aged 18 and up may still drink at resorts




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