British alcohol law

[Holst]

We are some students from Denmark visiting next week, we're all about 16-17 years old and we've been wondering what impacts England’s drinking age might have on us. Would we get arrested for drinking beer in the streets? What precautions do we need to take? :)

[maomao]

Use charcoal pencils to draw on moustaches and beards then no-one will suspect you're underage. :cool:

[Meltingpot]

Hi! I hope you enjoy your visit to the UK.

You need to be 18 to legally buy alcoholic drinks or drink in a public place, which must be licensed for that purpose. People younger than 18 do still drink in pubs and clubs (I did when I was 17), but they're taking a chance.

Many places now have laws against drinking alcohol in the streets, and it's not worth the risk in my opinion as it carries a fine of £100.

You are allowed to drink in private though, so your best bet is to find someone who will give you a drink in their house. Or; do what many other young people do and risk being caught.

[Holst]

Hi! I hope you enjoy your visit to the UK.

You need to be 18 to legally buy alcoholic drinks or drink in a public place, which must be licensed for that purpose. People younger than 18 do still drink in pubs and clubs (I did when I was 17), but they're taking a chance.

Many places now have laws against drinking alcohol in the streets, and it's not worth the risk in my opinion as it carries a fine of £100.

You are allowed to drink in private though, so your best bet is to find someone who will give you a drink in their house. Or; do what many other young people do and risk being caught.

Thanks, that was just the answer i was looking for!
I think we'll just have to take a chance though x/

[littlebabyjesus]

Thanks, that was just the answer i was looking for!
I think we'll just have to take a chance though x/

Take the chance. It's virtually a rite of passage in the UK for 16-17-year-olds to try to get served in the pub. You won't be arrested, you just may be refused service, although, unfortunately, the law is enforced much more strictly now than it used to be.

As others have said, there's no law against drinking under 18, only buying or drinking in licensed premises. You can legally drink beer and wine in a restaurant aged 14 if at least one of you is over 18. If you're going to have a drink in the street, just be a little discreet and put it in a bag. If there's a local law against drinking in the street, there should be signs up saying so.

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Take the chance. It's virtually a rite of passage in the UK for 16-17-year-olds to try to get served in the pub. You won't be arrested, you just may be refused service, although, unfortunately, the law is enforced much more strictly now than it used to be.

As others have said, there's no law against drinking under 18, only buying or drinking in licensed premises. You can legally drink beer and wine in a restaurant aged 14 if at least one of you is over 18. If you're going to have a drink in the street, just be a little discreet and put it in a bag. If there's a local law against drinking in the street, there should be signs up saying so.


Ehrm, it's 16 to drink beer & wine with a meal in a pub or restaurant.

Due to our stright laws no under 18's drink booze. Ever. They just smoke crack instead.

[Poi E]

Do whatever. No-one really cares :) If you can't get booze, buy some drugs instead.