Odd query from an American

[CleveRocks]

I realize this is off-topic, but ....

Is there a legal minimum drinking age in the UK? In other words, does one have to be at least a certain age to be served alcolholic beverages?

If there is one, was there always? My wife swears when she was there in 1986 at age 16 there was no legal minimum drinking age and she was served at the London Hard Rock Cafe. I have no reason not to believe her, but I'd hate to spread a false rumor, as somone accused me of doing. Please help inform me if you can. THANKS!!!

-- Eric

 

[Hilary]

Hi there

There is a general legal age limit of 18years for buying / drinking alcohol, but there are certain variations on that which I'm unsure about. For example, I believe it's legal to drink at 16 if the alcohol is served with a meal. I'm just not too sure of the exact details.

I'm sure those same laws (or very similar) were in force when I was in my teens in the 1960/70s, so I'd say your wife was mistaken about the 1980s!

Maybe someone else can clarify the details I don't know about.

 

[Goofyish]

As Hilary says the legal age for drinking and/or buying alcohol either in a bar or from an off-licence (liquer store?) is 18.

You can drink wine or beer with a meal in a restaurant when your 16, but at your meal table and not at the bar.

Underage drinking does occur and bars are not as strict as they are in the US on IDs and proof of age. If you look over 18 you will more than likely be served, although there are a number of campaignes aimed at stopping underage drinking with proof of age ID type cards being introduced.

 

[Tron[ADS]]

is it not 14 in a restraunt, and also something silly like it has to be wine or cider ?

 

[Hilary]

is it not 14 in a restraunt, and also something silly like it has to be wine or cider ?

Glad I'm not the only one who isn't sure of the details! I guess that goes to emphasise the fact that we're not as strict about the laws here as in the US - if there were tighter clampdowns we'd all know what everyone is entitled to do or not do.

Personally, I'd be happy to have an ID requirement for purchasing alcohol here (but my view may well have been different when I was young enough to need ID to prove my age! )

 

[Queenie]

I believe it is 16 for drinking wine or beer with a meal but there is something about 14 too, possibly that you have to be over 14 to stand at the bar and order (soft) drinks or be allowed in a pub after a certain time?

The drinking laws are very very lax over here (me and my friends were served in pubs from 14 onwards with no problems at all, I never tried to buy when I was younger so I can't speak about that) but I've heard many stories about 12yr olds being served. Could your wife have thought there was no minimum drinking age because she never saw any evidence of it in practice?